Plan for Tomorrow, Protect Today
Estate planning is about more than just preparing for the future – it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for, and your assets are protected. At The Law Office of Audrey Ehrhardt, we specialize in creating comprehensive estate plans tailored to the unique needs of Floridians. Whether you’re just beginning your planning journey, a new resident to Florida looking for answers, or looking to update an existing plan, we’re here to guide you through every step.
With over 20 years of experience in estate planning, we understand the importance of a plan that reflects your values and goals. Our mission is to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions, so your legacy is preserved, and your loved ones are protected.
Our Florida Estate Planning Services Include:
Wills and Trusts
We’ll help you create wills and trusts to clearly outline your wishes for asset distribution after your passing. From simple wills to complex trusts, we’ll ensure your plan is legally sound and meets your specific needs.
Asset Protection
Protecting assets from creditors, taxes, and other threats is an important part of estate planning. We provide strategies to safeguard your wealth, ensuring it remains in your family and benefits future generations.
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows you to designate someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you’re unable to do so. We’ll assist in creating a power of attorney that reflects your wishes and provides peace of mind.
Advance Directives and Living Wills
Planning for medical decisions in advance is essential. We’ll help you create advance directives and living wills to ensure your healthcare preferences are honored, offering reassurance for you and your family.
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
Our guidance helps you understand the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, empowering you to choose the best option. Trusts are powerful tools for managing assets during your lifetime and ensuring they’re distributed according to your wishes.
Probate Avoidance
Probate can be time-consuming and costly. We offer strategies to help you avoid probate, allowing your assets to be transferred quickly and efficiently to your beneficiaries.
Guardianship Designations
If you have minor children or dependents, designating a guardian ensures they’re cared for if something happens to you. We’ll help you make these important decisions and document them legally.
Beneficiary Designations
Properly designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets is crucial for honoring your wishes. We’ll review and update your beneficiary designations as part of your estate plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning involves arranging the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It’s essential because it ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are handled according to your intentions.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death and allows you to designate guardians for minor children. A trust, however, is a legal entity that can hold and manage assets for your beneficiaries, both during your lifetime and afterward, and can often help avoid probate.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
Whether you need both depends on your unique situation. A will is essential for everyone to ensure your wishes are documented, while a trust may be beneficial for avoiding probate, managing assets, or addressing long-term needs. We can help determine the best approach for you.
What is a durable power of attorney, and why do I need one?
A durable power of attorney allows you to designate someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This document ensures that your affairs are handled according to your wishes, even if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
What are advance directives, and do I need them?
Advance directives, such as living wills and healthcare powers of attorney, specify your medical treatment preferences if you’re unable to decide for yourself. Having advance directives in place aligns your care with your values, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
How can I protect my assets from creditors and taxes?
There are strategies to protect assets from creditors and taxes, including trusts, gifting, and careful beneficiary designations. Our team can help you explore these options to create a plan that safeguards your wealth for future generations.
What is probate, and how can I avoid it?
It’s a good idea to review your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Even without changes, it’s wise to review your plan every few years to ensure it aligns with your current wishes and any changes in the law.
Planning for the future is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. Schedule your free initial consultation today to discuss your estate planning needs with our experienced team. We’re here to help you create a plan that provides peace of mind for you and your family.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It’s a good idea to review your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Even without changes, it’s wise to review your plan every few years to ensure it aligns with your current wishes and any changes in the law.
Planning for the future is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. Schedule your free initial consultation today to discuss your estate planning needs with our experienced team. We’re here to help you create a plan that provides peace of mind for you and your family.