Estate planning does more than just protect your assets after your passing. A solid estate plan also protects your loved ones and your own well-being should you become incapacitated in any way.
While considering incapacitation or death may seem daunting, having a comprehensive estate plan in place is essential for individuals of all ages and wealth levels.
At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., we understand the importance of personalized, one-on-one service for estate planning.
Dedicated Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer David Fuchs has served clients in various capacities in the Fort Lauderdale area for over three decades, providing high-quality legal advocacy and advice. When it comes to your estate and planning for the future, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through the process.
Why Choose Us for Your Estate Planning Needs?
Choosing the right estate planning attorney is important, as this professional will be responsible for helping you decipher complex laws and legal terminology to properly document your wishes.
At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., we take pride in offering personalized service and treating each client with the importance they deserve.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer understands the ins and outs of estate planning in Florida and will work closely with you to create a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and objectives.
When you need estate planning representation, choose an attorney with three decades of experience in private practice representing clients throughout Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and the Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County areas.
Choose David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., for your estate planning needs in Fort Lauderdale.
Who Benefits from an Estate Plan?
You might think that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or the elderly, but the truth is that most people can benefit from having an estate plan in place.
Whether you’re married or single, have children or not, or have a significant amount of assets or not, estate planning ensures that your wishes get carried out and your loved ones will have proper care and support. Estate planning also protects you and ensures someone will care for you and make important decisions when necessary.
No matter your age or financial situation, it’s never too early to start planning for the future.
Any Adult Can Have an Estate Plan
In Florida, anyone over the age of 18 or who is an emancipated minor can legally create an enforceable will and estate plan. Regardless of your marital or familial status, you should take advantage of this opportunity.
Without an estate plan, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets get distributed should you pass away, potentially leaving out loved ones or causing unnecessary disputes.
Creating an estate plan gives you full control over how your assets are distributed and who will inherit from your estate. This is important even if your estate is very small.
Further, remember that debilitating injuries and illnesses can happen at any age and when you least expect it.
Once you are an adult, your parents or other close relatives do not automatically have the authority to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf. Without powers of attorney and other key documents in place, your life can be in limbo while you are incapacitated in the hospital.
These are only some of the many reasons every adult should consider estate planning. Waiting can only complicate already difficult situations for you and your family. Further, always have an experienced Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney overseeing the process.
The firm of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., is ready to help you and your family feel confident about the future!
We Handle All Components of a Comprehensive Estate Plan in Florida
At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., we understand that estate planning involves more than just drafting a will. Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney will guide you through the entire process, addressing all components of a comprehensive estate plan so your wishes are effectively carried out.
We assess the circumstances of each individual client to determine which estate planning documents are appropriate to best protect them, their loved ones, and their assets.
Last Will and Testament
A last will and testament is a fundamental part of any estate plan. This is generally the foundation of your plan, as this document is submitted to the probate court when you pass away.
Your will allows you to:
- Designate beneficiaries who will inherit your assets and property
- Appoint an executor who will ensure your wishes are carried out and administer the probate process
- If you have minor children, set a pre-need guardian designation should something happen to both parents
Without a will, the court must appoint an executor to handle the estate administration process. The court will also appoint a guardian for your children.
This can often cause disputes if multiple family members believe they are the most qualified to step into these roles. Further, the law will dictate where your property goes, which might not align with your desires.
Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer will draft a legally valid and enforceable will that reflects your desires.
Wills must meet certain requirements to be enforceable under Florida law, and our firm ensures you have a solid will that stands up in court. We aim to minimize the chances of disputes regarding your will during probate, which makes the process more efficient for your family.
To learn more about how David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., can draft your will, contact our office directly today.
Living Trusts
A living trust is another component of a comprehensive estate plan that can benefit many people. Not everyone requires a trust, and our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney will evaluate your situation and advise whether a trust is appropriate for your needs.
By establishing a trust, you can place your assets into the trust and name a trustee who will manage and distribute your assets according to your instructions. You can serve as the trustee while living and able, naming a successor trustee to take over if you are incapacitated or pass away.
Having your assets in trust can keep them out of the probate process and provide privacy and flexibility in the distribution of your assets. This can improve the process for your family after your passing.
A trust can also provide greater control over how you distribute your assets, as they do not have to pass to beneficiaries all at once, as they do with a will.
If a trust is right for you, our team at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., can handle every step of trust formation to ensure there is no room for error or dispute.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This ensures that your affairs continue to be managed according to your wishes, even if you cannot make decisions for yourself.
Having a legally enforceable power of attorney in place before an incapacitating event is critical, as you cannot legally sign this document once you cannot make legal or financial decisions. A POA protects your assets, accounts, home, and other affairs for when you recover or for your family if you pass away.
Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer will carefully draft a durable power of attorney to suit your specific needs, and that complies with Florida law. We can guide you in choosing the right party to serve as your trusted power of attorney, which can be a family member, friend, or even a professional.
Advanced Health Care Directive
If you become incapacitated, David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., knows that your health and physical well-being are just as important as your financial and legal affairs. An advanced health care directive, also known as a living will or health care proxy, allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so for yourself.
These documents also provide guidance on your end-of-life wishes and treatment preferences. This can be difficult to consider, but we respectfully guide you through the process to ensure you cover all the necessary bases for full protection should something happen.
Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney will ensure your advanced health care directive accurately reflects your desires and that the right party is ready to make critical health decisions for you.
Handling Estate Plans for Complex Situations
While estate planning benefits individuals of all backgrounds, there are instances where there are additional and more complex considerations. At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney can help clients address various complicated situations.
High Wealth or Complex Assets
If you have significant assets or a complex financial situation, estate planning becomes even more critical.
Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer has the knowledge to develop a comprehensive plan that protects your assets and minimizes estate taxes. We can use additional resources and legal tools as part of your overall estate plan as necessary.
Special Needs Children or Adults
If you have dependent children or adults with special needs, you will likely create an estate plan that ensures their continued care and financial support. Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney can set up a special needs trust or another appropriate structure to protect the interests of your loved ones after your passing.
Choosing Executors and Successor Trustees for Your Estate Plan
One essential aspect of estate planning is selecting the right individuals to fulfill your wishes. Your chosen executor will manage your estate, navigate the probate process, and distribute your assets according to your wishes. Similarly, a successor trustee will oversee the administration of any trust you establish.
Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer can provide guidance on selecting trustworthy individuals who will handle these crucial roles. Often, you might look beyond a spouse or parent for various reasons, and our team can advise you in making effective choices.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Attorney Helps
At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., our estate planning attorney is dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to our clients. We approach estate planning with a focus on effective communication and personalized attention. Here are only some of the many ways our estate planning attorney can help you.
Compliance With Florida Law
Estate planning laws can vary from state to state. Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney is well-versed in Florida’s estate planning laws and will ensure your plan complies with all legal requirements.
Ensuring Your Estate Plan Reflects Your Wishes
We will take the time to listen to your goals and objectives. By understanding your wishes, we can create an estate plan that accurately reflects your desires and effectively protects your assets.
Reviewing and Updating Existing Estate Plans
Life is constantly changing, and so should your estate plan. Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney can review your existing plan to ensure it’s still aligned with your current circumstances and make any necessary updates to keep it up to date.
Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Lawyer Today
David I. Fuchs, Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Lawyer
Planning for the future is important to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. Whether you need assistance creating a comprehensive estate plan or need to review and update an existing one, our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney is here to help you.
We assist clients of all ages and backgrounds with their estate planning needs, and are ready to discuss our services in greater detail with you.
Call David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A., at (954) 568-3636 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Trust our experience and dedication to guide you through the estate planning process and ensure your wishes are effectively carried out.
David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Office
8 SE 8th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
P: (954) noswap568-3636