Are you ready to start the process of planning your estate? If so, call Bogin, Munns & Munns. An Orange City estate planning lawyer can help you take the appropriate steps to manage your affairs in the event of your passing or incapacitation.
To connect with a member of our team and start exploring your legal options, call (386) 860-5200.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning gives your friends and family members instructions on what to do in the event that you become severely ill or pass away. By having a set of instructions that outline your last wishes, you can reduce the risk of intrafamilial conflict and other challenges that threaten your well-being.
Bogin, Munns & Munns is prepared to help you in any way that we can. During your first case review, a member of our team will explain the services that we provide. We encourage you to share all relevant details of your situation with us.
For instance, if you are battling a terminal illness, then time may be of the essence when it comes to planning your estate. In another instance, you may be in a common-law union and want your partner to receive the same benefits as your lawful spouse would. This is important because per Florida Statute § 741.211, Florida does not recognize common-law marriages––except in certain situations.
Ultimately, the goal of estate planning is to plan for the future, even after you are gone. To learn more about how Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you plan your estate, call (386) 860-5200.
To consult with an experienced estate planning lawyer serving Orange City
(855) 780-9986
How an Orange City Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help You
Planning your estate involves many different moving parts. It is more than just writing a will; estate planning also entails custodial arrangements and power of attorney. It can also provide instructions for your healthcare in the event that you suffer a life-altering event.
Our law firm stands ready to help you with the following:
Granting Power of Attorney
The Florida Bar outlines how important it is to designate a power of attorney. Your power of attorney does more than manage your end-of-life decisions. By delegating power of attorney, you give another person the right to sell a car, access your bank statements, and sign legal documents. In some cases, they may be able to create trusts and transfer money to other parties.
Your power of attorney does not necessarily have to be your spouse. In fact, it can be anyone who you trust with your legal matters. Additionally, you can change your power of attorney at any time. So, for example, if your power of attorney was your spouse, but then you got divorced, you could transfer your power of attorney to someone else.
Creating a Custodial Arrangement
If you have minor children, you may have concerns about who will take care of them after your passing. By having a custodial arrangement in place, you can prevent any disputes when it comes to the care of your children.
Additionally, you can start preparing your children for any lifestyle changes that they may have to make when you pass away.
Outlining the Distribution of Your Assets
Everyone has an estate, no matter how much money they have. Your estate could comprise your car, home, jewelry, and other personal possessions, like collectibles. When you pass away, you likely do not want your family and friends to argue over who is entitled to what. You want to have a will that outlines how your estate should be distributed.
If you do not have a will in place and you pass away, the law could seize possession of some of your estate. In other cases, your family may argue over your assets in probate court, which could prolong how long it takes for them to get certain items. A lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can sit down with you, review your assets and their values, and help you determine your beneficiaries.
Writing a Living Will
A will and a living will are two completely different things. A will outlines the distribution of your assets in the event of your passing. A living will, however, is in place throughout the course of your lifetime.
For instance, per the Florida Bar, a living will could come into play if:
- A person does not have the ability to make decisions in regard to their health.
- A patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness, is in a vegetative state, or has an end-of-life illness.
Toward the end of your life, you do not want your passing to be complicated by family members arguing over what is best for you. Only you can make decisions in regard to your passing and end-of-life medical care. To make sure that your wishes are clearly spelled out, a living will could help you.
Signing a Medical Records Privacy Waiver
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to sign a medical records privacy waiver. This means that you authorize your medical records to be viewed by a designated party. For instance, if you become severely injured in a car accident, this waiver could allow your lawyer to use your medical records to prove your case.
Our Team Is Ready to Help You as Soon as You Call Us
Since 1979, Bogin, Munns & Munns has helped people plan their estates. We understand that without legal help, making certain decisions can be difficult. You may not know the true value of your properties or not have a full understanding of how state law applies to your case.
An Orange City estate planning lawyer is ready to help you. To learn more, dial (386) 860-5200.
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