09 Jun Looking For Estate Planning In Florida?
A recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that many people are not prepared for retirement, with only 38% of respondents reporting a household income in excess of $50k. These findings may seem surprising given that Americans over 65 who live alone are projected to spend an average of $42,000 per year on medical expenses and housing costs. However, when you consider that most retirees will also need money set aside for their children’s college education and other family needs (which could total up to $300,000), it becomes clear why so many people might be unprepared financially for retirement. In this blog post, we discuss steps you can take to make sure you’re ready when the time comes
Everyone should do some basic estate planning, and here in Florida, there are only a few key documents to include: a will, a durable power of attorney for finances, a living will, and a designation of health care surrogate. While four documents designate basic estate planning, you want to ensure that you are filing them correctly and accurately, and not risking missing a step in the process. There are rules and regulations specific to Florida that you might not be aware of as well, and for all of these reasons, it is essential to consult an attorney.
Not every attorney will suffice for your estate planning needs, but with a little research on your part, you will find yourself in the hands of a credible one. Looking for help figuring out how to find the right attorney. You’ve already taken the first step to narrowing down your list of qualified attorneys by identifying your geographic location to be Florida. Naturally, that eliminates attorneys in every other state in the U.S.
Now you need to ask yourself what you need from an attorney. Are you looking for basic estate planning, or for more rigorous planning? Each person, each family has unique needs, so it is essential for you to find an attorney who specializes in what you need and not what anyone else does. Only after you know why you are seeking out an attorney can you make a list of qualified ones for your needs. Make sure that the attorneys on your list have at least seven to ten years of experience in estate planning and trust law. Not only will these attorneys be qualified for your specific needs, but they have the experience to advise and prepare you.