Winter Haven, FL Wills And Trusts Lawyer

A will and trust are the two vitally important, but very different, parts of your estate plan. Each protects your assets and helps your heirs gain access to your wealth, and together they help you pass your values and wishes onto your heirs while hopefully reducing the odds of family conflict over your estate, which is what most people desire for your loved ones when they are gone.

It is critical that your will and trust comply with Florida state law as well as federal law, so that nothing is left to chance. It is essential to have a skilled Winter Haven wills and trusts attorney handle your estate plan to prevent any errors. We can help you understand your options and guide you through each step of the process, including showing you what documents need to be completed and how to complete them properly.

Give Osenton Law, P.A., a call today for a free phone consultation and an initial evaluation of your situation.

Why You Should Have A Will

Wills are an essential element of every comprehensive estate plan. Your will is a document that provides family members, the courts, and others with instructions indicating what you want to happen to your property when you pass away. In your will, you will name the heirs to whom you wish to distribute your wealth and assets, be they your spouse or children, your parents, siblings, other relatives, friends, or charities of your choice. Having a will gives you the ability to exercise control over your property and money. This provides a number of advantages.

First, a will that is clear and unambiguous leaves little room for your family to fight over what you leave them. You have worked hard throughout your life to accumulate wealth, and your will acknowledges that you retain full power to direct its distribution. Making your intentions known can help your family avoid unnecessary conflict over your estate. Instead of fighting over your assets and risking the damage or loss of close relationships, your family can work together to carry out your wishes.

Secondly, if you make those choices now, you prevent the state from doing so in the event that you do not have a will. Someone who dies without a will in place will have her estate divided and distributed to her heirs according to the Florida laws of intestate succession, which may not necessarily reflect your desired wishes for your family.

Why It Is Important To Have A Trust

Wills are good on their own, but the advantage of a trust over just a will is that assets go directly into the trust and effectively skip over the probate process in Florida, which can last from several months to over a year, and involves the added expenses of filing fees, court costs, and hiring legal representation.

With a will alone, your heirs will be prevented from receiving their inheritance until probate has been concluded. With a trust, your estate is not under court jurisdiction, and thus, your affairs remain private rather than a matter of public record, which can be an important consideration for people who wish to keep the details of their estate, including the specific assets and how those assets are to pass, private. Moreover, trusts tend to provide for a more orderly transfer of assets.

Navigate Estate Planning Confidently With Help From Our Winter Haven Wills And Trusts Lawyer

At Osenton Law, P.A., we believe that your will and trust should reflect your personality, family, and ambitions. We have over 33 years of experience assisting people in Florida from diverse backgrounds and situations with their unique estate planning needs, and we can do the same for you. We welcome the opportunity to assist you in securing your family’s future, developing a plan to preserve your assets, and providing peace of mind. Contact our Winter Haven wills and trusts attorney today to book a free consultation and learn about your options.