Happy New Year! With the New Year comes new ideas, new goals to achieve, and, most of all, New Year’s Resolutions. This is the time when each of us looks inward to determine what we want to achieve throughout the year. As you begin to think about your goals, we encourage you to make New Year’s Resolutions that protect you and will benefit your family as well.
Need ideas? We have them for you! Each day, we work with Florida families just like yours to make sure they are protected in the event of any future challenges. From managing unexpected illnesses to long-term care crises to ensuring the right decision makers have the authority act, we work with our clients to make sure they have peace of mind. We accomplish this for them through a combination of estate planning and elder law planning.
Our goal is for everyone to have the comprehensive planning they need to protect themselves and their family. As you consider your planning, do you have what you need right now? We want to share with you a few resolutions you can put in place this year that can make a positive, long-term difference for you and your family.
1. Make an Estate Plan. Less than half of Americans today have an estate plan. Are you one of them? Or do you have a plan in place that protects both you and your family? Remember, you do not have to have millions of dollars to create an estate plan. Estate planning is about so much more than transferring your assets when you die. Your estate plan ensures that you are able to create the legacy you want and that you are able to have the legal decision makers you need in place to act for you in the event of incapacity.
2. Revise Your Existing Estate Plan. If you have an estate plan in place, it is time to review it. Are your decision makers the same? Do you have secondary decision makers named? Are your goals for your legacy reflected? Have there been births or deaths in your family that you need to mention in your planning? Has it been over three years since your last update? Don’t wait to evaluate your plan and schedule a meeting with your attorney to review your changes as well as the changes to the law.
3. Build a Relationship with a Local Attorney. You need to have a local attorney on your side. You never know when you will need your attorney to advocate on your behalf. Your attorney can ensure your estate plan stays current, help you plan for your finances, and create a legacy that ensures your children’s wellbeing. A common misconception is that an attorney is only necessary after something has already occurred. In reality, you need your attorney now because he or she can help you be proactive in your planning.
These New Year’s Resolutions will help you plan for your future. They can also help you protect the future of your loved ones. This year, do not leave your estate planning decisions to chance. Plan early and well for what you need. If you are ready to get started, do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with a member of our legal team.
