Largo Estate Planning Attorney

In old movies and mystery novels, you would often see scenes where bereaved family members gathered in an ornate attorney’s office to hear the reading of a loved one’s will. In modern practice, such scenes are rare. But estate planning still requires some degree of formality in order to ensure a loved one’s wishes are understood and followed when they are no longer able to communicate them directly.

Having an estate plan need not be complicated. It does, however, require sound legal advice. William Rambaum is a Largo estate planning attorney with over 35 years of experience in helping Pinellas County residents take charge of their affairs. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Specialist, he has the knowledge and experience to advise you on a wide range of matters related to wills, trusts, and other critical documents that can help secure your family’s legal and financial future if the worst happens to you.

The Importance of a Florida Estate Plan

Every person has their own needs, desires, and financial situation to consider. When it comes to estate planning, it is therefore important to tailor the approach accordingly. That said, most Florida estate plans include the following:

• Last Will and Testament: The basic function of a will is to designate who will receive your assets after you die, as well as appoint a person to oversee that process as the personal representative (executor) of your estate. If you have minor children, a will is also where you would nominate a guardian to raise them if the other parent does not survive you.
• Living Trusts: Not everyone needs or wants a trust as part of their estate plan. Yet a trust can provide substantial benefits when it comes to avoiding probate and keeping your wishes private.
• Power of Attorney: A will only takes effect after you die. If you become incapacitated during your lifetime and need someone to manage your assets for you, then you need to sign a separate power of attorney appointing an agent for that purpose.
• Advance Directives: Similar to a power of attorney for finances, you should also have a Designation of Health Care Surrogate, which appoints an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf. You can also sign a Living Will, which makes your wishes known regarding end-of-life care to your doctors.
• Designation of Pre-Need Guardian: In cases where a court declares you mentally or physically incompetent to manage your own affairs, a judge may need to appoint a legal guardian. While you are still legally competent, however, you can sign a Designation of Pre-Need Guardian appointing someone to fill that role if it should become necessary.

Contact Largo Estate Planning Lawyer William Rambaum Today

Far too many Pinellas County residents put off making an estate plan until it is too late. Do not make this mistake. If you need to speak with a qualified Largo estate planning attorney, call William Rambaum today at 727-781-5357 to schedule an appointment.