ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

Can I Change My Estate Plan if My Circumstances Change?

By | Estate Planning

Life is full of surprises. Whether it’s a new addition to the family, an unexpected career change, or a significant change in health, your circumstances can shift in a moment’s notice. Many of our clients at Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. in Florida wonder, “Can I change my estate plan if my circumstances change?” The short answer is “yes”, you absolutely can—and should—update your estate plan to reflect your current situation.   Why Update Your Florida Estate Plan? There’s a common misconception that an estate plan is a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor. While it’s comforting to know you’ve set up a plan, life changes and your estate plan should be flexible enough to change with you. For example, if you divorce or remarry, you’ll want to update your beneficiaries. Likewise, a change in the size of your estate, either due to an inheritance or a new business venture, may require adjustments to minimize…

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How Can I Ensure that My Children or Dependents Are Taken Care Of?

By | Estate Planning

Ensuring that your children or dependents are well taken care of in your absence is a primary concern for many parents and caregivers. The thought can be daunting, but there are proactive steps you can take. We’re here to guide you through the legal considerations and strategies available to residents of Florida.   Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan in Florida When you think about the future, especially concerning your children or dependents, a comprehensive estate plan is crucial. An estate plan does much more than merely dictate how your assets should be distributed after your passing. It serves as a well-rounded strategy to ensure that your wishes, particularly concerning the well-being of your dependents, are honored no matter what life brings. From incorporating durable powers of attorney to defining healthcare directives and setting up appropriate trusts, an estate plan in Florida can cover a range of legal mechanisms designed to…

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Understanding The Importance of Estate Planning in Florida

By | Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t merely about crafting a will; it’s an inclusive process that ensures the appropriate management of your assets during your lifetime and their distribution after your death. At Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A., we believe that everyone in Florida should have an understanding of estate planning, not only to protect their wealth but also to secure their loved ones’ futures.   Why Consider Estate Planning in Florida? When thinking about the future, most people dream of sunsets, family gatherings, and enjoying their golden years, especially in the picturesque settings of Florida. But what many don’t consider is the importance of directing how their assets will be managed and distributed. Estate planning in Florida provides a roadmap for these decisions. It’s not just about money; it’s about peace of mind. By defining how your assets should be distributed, you minimize the chances of family disagreements or legal battles. Furthermore, estate…

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It’s Time for an Estate Planning Check-Up – What Documents Do You Need in Florida?

By | Estate Planning

The start of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to get organized, and few things are more important to organize than your estate planning documents. Your estate plan affects decision-making during your lifetime and beyond, but you can only be fully protected if you have all the right documents. It is essential to review your plan if you have documents prepared when you lived in a different state. Let’s take a look at what you need in Florida. Everyone Needs an Up-to-Date Will You need a will, and it needs to meet Florida requirements, which differ from some other jurisdictions. If you have a revocable living trust set up to allow your assets to pass directly to beneficiaries, you still should have a pour-over will. That document covers any property that does not get transferred into the trust for one reason or another. If you executed your will years…

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Know the Warning Signs to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Elder Fraud

By | Elder Fraud

Scam artists have found new ways to target older adults. They know that many adults over 60 don’t feel the need to follow all the latest tech trends, and they use that knowledge to exploit seniors in a variety of ways.  They also know that older adults are more likely to be experiencing the recent loss of loved ones and be struggling with the onset of new physical, emotional, or mental challenges. Perhaps most enticing is the fact that many adults over the age of 60 have accumulated wealth and are considering investment options and charitable causes.  Consider These Questions Before Committing Your Funds The following questions indicate that an investment scheme or philanthropic request is likely just a cover-up for a scam. If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following, it is a good idea to stop and investigate thoroughly before proceeding any further. Are you…

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