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Estate Planning
In the area of Estate Planning the firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. can provide guidance and assistance in preparing a Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Power of Attorney, Designation of Healthcare Surrogate and Trusts.
Do not leave your wishes up to chance and risk them not being realized. As unpleasant as the thought of what will happen when you are gone may be, it is best to plan ahead and ensure that your property and family are provided for as you wish. Contemplation, communication and effective planning regarding who inherits your property, who will care for your children or make decisions about your finances and health can avoid a multitude of legal problems, fees and costs for your family during what will undoubtedly be a very difficult time for all involved. Contact the law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. today to schedule your consultation and eliminate all worries regarding your family’s future.
ESSENTIAL ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Last Will and Testament
Many people are hesitant to prepare a Last Will and Testament for fear of the uncomfortable nature of the topic. A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that states with specificity how your real estate property, personal possessions, and other financial assets will be distributed when you pass away. When a Florida resident dies without a Last Will and Testament the distribution of his or her assets will be made in accordance with the laws of intestacy according to Chapter 732, Florida Statutes, and not his or her wishes. Only in instances where you have no heirs whatsoever does the state of Florida become your beneficiary. Your will sets out who is to receive your assets as part of the probate process. In sum, if you want to be in control of who receives your property at the time of your death a Last Will and Testament is imperative. Do not delay the preparation of this important document and contact the law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. for assistance with this matter.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows a person you appoint to make decisions and conduct business on your behalf. There are different types of powers of attorney that can be prepared on behalf of an individual. If you were to become disabled your family members would not simply be able to “step-in” just because they are family and make decisions in regards to many day to day activities such as your business, banking and creditors without a durable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney survives a declaration of disability and thus essential to an effective estate planning package. We look forward to helping you prepare the appropriate estate planning documents for your family. Contact the law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. to schedule your consultation today and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are prepared for any unfortunate life event that may arise.
Living Will
Many clients will ask, do I really need a living will? The answer is a resounding yes! A Living Will is a document wherein you set forth your wishes regarding what medical treatment you will or will not want to receive in certain circumstances in the event you are no longer able to provide informed consent. A Living Will eliminates your family having to guess or decide without your input what to do should a situation arise wherein you are not able to speak for yourself. The Living Will sets forth your wishes for end-of-life medical care, thereby eliminating the need for anyone to guess or for anyone to go against your ultimate wishes. This is an essential document in your estate planning and everyone should have one prepared in order to avoid potential problems and heartache in the future. The law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A., will explain this document in detail and work with you to prepare a Living Will suitable to your wishes and goals.
Designation of Healthcare
Surrogate / Appointment of
Pre-Need Guardian
The Designation of Healthcare Surrogate form allows you to designate a health care agent to make medical decisions for you, in the event you are unable to make them for yourself. The Designation of Pre-Need Guardian form allows you to designate someone to serve as your guardian in the event that a court determines that you have become mentally incapacitated. These forms allow you to select a trusted family member or friend to assist you when you will need them the most. Undoubtedly, these forms are essential to your estate planning as they provide you the peace of mind to know that someone you trust will be in charge of your medical care should you no longer be able to make those decisions.
Trusts
A Trust serves the goals of people who wish to control their property during their lifetime and the transition of property to their loved ones when they are gone. When you create a Trust in Florida you are the Grantor of the Trust and you decide the terms of the Trusts and the assets that will be placed in the Trust. You will also select a Trustee who will manage the assets of the Trust. Another benefit of a Trust in estate planning is that it is a private document which, unlike a Last Will and Testament does not need to become a public record. In Florida there are revocable and irrevocable Living Trusts that can be prepared in order to manage your assets. There are additional types of Trusts that an individual may use depending on his or her needs. Each family is unique and therefore what kind of trust will or will not work for you and your family will depend on the specific goals and needs of your family. Contact the law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. to go over what your goals are and to learn about type of Trust will best serve your needs.
Guardianship Administration
A guardianship administration is a process of administering and managing an incapacitated person’s financial, medical, and social matters which is supervised by the court. Another common use of guardianships is as to minors. In Florida minors are deemed incapacitated by virtue of their age and therefore there is no need to have the court adjudicate a minor incapacitated in a guardianship for a minor. Guardianships for minors are usually established when the child is the recipient of an inheritance or settlement proceeds. If you believe a loved one can no longer manage his or her own matters or you have a child which is about to receive an inheritance or settlement proceeds contact the law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. to schedule a consultation and explore the options available.
Young Adults and Estate Planning
Estate planning is often thought of as something that is done as we get older, however that is not the case. Documents such as a Living Will, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Surrogate and Pre-Need Designations are essential for young adults in order to make certain that the rights of the young adult is respected. Upon turning 18 your child is considered an adult, accordingly HIPAA laws restrict the access that parents have to their child’s medical information. The law firm of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. can assist in protecting the health and financial well-being of a young adult by preparing the appropriate documents to ensure that the wishes of the young adult is respected. As the young adult embarks on his/her life and the situation changes the forms can be updated to meet their changing needs and desires.
Having a legal issue is generally an unpleasant experience. It may mean that you have been hurt, injured or wronged in some way. At Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. we understand how upset and overwhelmed you may be feeling, but know that you do not have to suffer in silence or alone as assistance is a phone call away. The Law Office of Sandra Navarro-Garcia, P.A. is here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.