You owe it to your family to have the basic and essential documents necessary to assist in the event of death or serious injury. At Gulf Beaches Law, P.A., we recommend a minimum of four basic documents in preparing your estate:  Living Will, Health Care Surrogate Designation, Durable Power of Attorney, and Will and/or Trust.

One common misconception is that estate planning is only for death.  This is not the case.  An effective estate plan will protect you during your lifetime and protect your assets at death.  During your lifetime, effective estate planning can protect you from guardianship, and can protect you from allowing state laws to dictate the course of action that would be followed in the event of incapacity.

Another common misconception is that estate planning is only necessary for wealthy individuals.  This is not the case.  The reality is that everyone needs a Living Will, Health Care Surrogate Designation, and Durable Power of Attorney, and everyone can benefit from creating a Will and/or trust.  Whether you have a large net worth or little net worth, you need an estate plan.  At your death, an effective plan may protect you from loss of assets due to unnecessary taxes, prevent state law from dictating how and to whom your assets are distributed, and prevent state law from dictating who will administer your estate.  We will create a simple plan or a comprehensive and potentially complex plan depending on your individual needs.

Effective planning also provides peace of mind to clients and family members during your lifetime and after your death.  Gulf Beaches Law, P.A. can help you create the most effective estate plan to suit your needs and wishes