Every estate plan is different but the basics remain the same

Virtually everyone can benefit from an estate plan, even if it simply covers the bare essentials. Sometimes, proven planning with no frills is the best solution. Whether or not this is your situation, at The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A., our detail-driven estate planning attorney carefully reviews your individual circumstances and determines which solutions best meet your estate planning requirements. With almost three decades practicing law and an exclusive focus on estate planning, clients consider Attorney Kabel an estate planning authority in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and all of Broward County.

Basic info about wills

At its bare minimum, a Last Will and Testament provides written instructions for how you want assets and property to be distributed after your death. Florida law requires the following to ensure your will is a legal and binding document:

•  You must be at least 18 years of age.
• The Last Will and Testament must be in writing.
•  When you sign it, you must be of sound mind.
•  It must be properly witnessed and notarized.
•  It must comply with Florida law.

You can include additional directives in your will, such as naming a personal representative to execute your wishes, naming a guardian for your children, and the creation of a trust. Your will is valid until you either create a new one, or die. You can change it as often as you want or need to.

Some facts about trusts

Trust arrangements may be designed to work with a will or in place of one. These arrangements generally offer more flexibility in asset protection and tax planning, and they typically avoid probate. Though there are literally hundreds of different types of trust arrangements, the following are some basic definitions:

• Revocable Trust – These trust arrangements are created while you’re alive and direct how your assets will be distributed upon your death. You can terminate this arrangement or make changes all the way up until your death.
• Irrevocable Trust – These arrangements are essentially permanent once created. They may not be edited or terminated.
• Testamentary – You create a trust within your will which come into being following your passing. It’s revocable while you are alive, just as your will is, but becomes irrevocable once you pass away.
• Family Trusts – This covers a wide variety of trusts that are set up to meet different needs for your children, partners and spouses.

What you should know about advance directives

Advance directives are important components to estate plans which are often overlooked. Some people assume they will never need one, while others believe their loved ones will know what to do when the time comes. But with a little planning and a minimum of effort, you can remove all doubt and make your wishes clear with the tools offered through advance directives:

• Living Will
• Anatomical Gift Form
• Disposition of remains
• Durable Power of Attorney

Please note that advance directives are arguably even more important for unmarried same sex couples. Though the laws have been progressing for the LGBTQ community, without the legal protections afforded a spouse, your partner may be unable to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself without the legal force of an advance directive.

Attorney Kabel has extensive knowledge and specialized skills to effectively handle the complex nuances of LGBTQ law and estate planning matters, and is a dedicated estate planning attorney for the LGBTQ community in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and all of Broward County. Call on a Fort Lauderdale law firm with an exclusive focus on probate and estate planning. No matter the size of your estate, or how extensive your plan should be, we are prepared to assist you. Rely on The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A. for creative estate planning strategies and personalized counsel. Contact us online or call 954-761-7770 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your estate planning needs. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and all of Broward County.