Why Is Estate Planning Important for Florida Families?
Estate planning helps protect your assets, name decision-makers, and ensure your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated or pass away. It’s important that you take the steps necessary to ensure your family will be taken care of should something unexpected happen to you.
The Morris Law Firm strives to make the process as easy and efficient as possible. Estate planning is simply creating a plan that protects you and your property while living, and also provides for how to distribute your assets upon your death. Having this estate plan in place can put your mind at ease now and can save your loved ones a lot of trouble later.
Having the proper documents in place gives you and your family clarity, and we’re available at (850) 257-5680 if you need assistance.
What Is an Estate Plan and What Does It Do?
An estate plan includes, but is not limited to:
Will – Under Florida law, a will (last will and testament) allows you to determine how your property is distributed and who will administer your estate.
Power of Attorney – A power of attorney is a document that identifies and authorizes another to act on your behalf in dealing with your business, financial, or personal affairs and even includes the ability for another to act on your behalf in legal matters. For instance, a durable power of attorney allows you to authorize someone to buy and sell real estate or write checks on your behalf.
Health Care Surrogate – This authorizes another person the ability to make decisions about your medical care should you reach a point that you are unable to do so due to incapacity.
Living Will – This document allows you to establish your future health care plans and medical needs should you reach the point that you are unable to do so.
Who Makes Medical Decisions If I Become Incapacitated in Florida?
In Florida, if you become unable to make your own medical decisions, the person who will make those decisions is your designated Health Care Surrogate — but only if you have signed the proper legal documents in advance. A Health Care Surrogate designation allows you to choose someone you trust to speak with doctors, review medical records, and make health care choices on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
If you do not have a Health Care Surrogate document in place, Florida law may require family members to seek court approval to make medical decisions for you, which can cause delays, stress, and disagreements during an already difficult time. Without clear legal authority, doctors may be limited in who they can take instructions from regarding your treatment.
As part of a Florida estate plan, many individuals also create a Living Will, which provides written instructions about life-prolonging procedures, end-of-life care, and other medical preferences. Together, a Health Care Surrogate designation and Living Will help ensure your wishes are followed and reduce the burden on your loved ones.
Working with a Florida estate planning attorney can help ensure these documents are properly prepared so the right person can make medical decisions for you if the unexpected happens.
Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Have Many Assets?
Even if you don’t have significant property or savings, creating an estate plan in Panama City or Bay County is still important. An estate plan ensures that your personal wishes are followed, your loved ones are taken care of, and small or sentimental assets are distributed according to your instructions.
Without a plan, Florida law may determine who makes decisions about your property, healthcare, or guardianship matters, which can lead to delays or disputes among family members. Even small estates can benefit from documents like a will, power of attorney, or health care surrogate designation to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary stress for your family.
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Panama City or the surrounding Bay County area ensures your documents are properly prepared and legally enforceable, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind regardless of the size of your estate.
How Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help Create a Plan Tailored to My Family?
At The Morris Law Firm, we will help you develop a comprehensive estate plan tailored to you and your family’s needs. These documents for end-of-life estate planning can be a huge benefit to everyone, regardless of how large or how small your assets are.
How Do I Speak With a Florida Estate Planning Attorney for a Free Consultation?
If you or someone you know needs help with estate planning in Florida, contact The Morris Law Firm for a free case evaluation or give us a call at (850) 257-5680.
