Florida’s probate courts are busy places. In the first six months of 2020 alone, individuals filed nearly 30,000 probate cases statewide and more than 27,000 were disposed of. For most adult residents of the state, those with wills and those without, probate court is where their lives’ business is completed.
When a person reaches 18 years of age, they legally become an adult and can start making medical, financial, and other major life decisions for themselves. As life gets busier and major life milestones are reached, proper estate planning can help young adults and their families prepare for difficult, emotional, and unexpected life scenarios.
Guardianship is designed to protect and exercise the legal rights of minor children and incapacitated adults who are unable to make their own decisions. According to a report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), there are about 1.5 million individuals under guardianship in the United States.
A special needs trust can be established using one’s own funds or by relatives or friends using their money. If you or a loved one needs the benefits of a special needs trust and you’re located in or around Boca Raton, Florida, contact me — Eric H. Light, P.A. — to steer you through the requirements of setting up such a trust. I will confer one-on-one with you and make sure your trust meets the unique needs of the individual in need.
Without a doubt, we live in a “DIY” world. Most of us are willing to do some work ourselves to save the cost of hiring a knowledgeable professional. This is as true with our wills and other estate planning documents as it is with constructing built-in bookshelves in the family room.
Are you facing a legal crisis? Are you in a situation where you need to appoint a legal guardian for yourself or someone in your family?
Putting together your own legal documents sounds like a good idea. Your assets get the protection you want and you’re saving money.
According to a recent study, 64% of Americans don’t have a will. This often creates problems for families and estates when a death occurs. That’s why it’s important to have an estate attorney.