It is certainly human nature to not want to contemplate our own demise; however, we should be viewing estate planning as a gift that we leave to our loved ones, the gift of an organized estate and protected assets.

Here are our Top 5 reasons you should create an estate plan now:

1. If you don’t have a plan for the disposition of your assets, the state of Florida does – and it involves a potentially expensive and lengthy probate process.
2. If you have minor children and don’t make plans for them, the state of Florida will have a big say in who takes care of them. It may not be someone you would have chosen.
3. If you don’t get documents in place prior to any potential future mental incapacity, your estate could be exposed to guardianship and the attendant complications and expenses.
4. If you haven’t filled out or updated your beneficiary forms on retirement or investment accounts, your ex-spouse could benefit greatly.
5. If you haven’t taken steps to avoid probate through estate planning, your financial information is made public, which could be a boon for creditors.

While it can be very difficult to get people to take the time to create an estate plan, the unfortunate circumstances that could befall your loved ones if you don’t plan is well worth your time invest now.

Our experienced and trusted estate planning attorneys have been serving Treasure Coast families for decades, and Michael Fowler is one of only four Treasure Coast attorneys who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Elder Law. Contact us for your free initial consultation at one of our conveniently located offices in Fort Pierce, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee.