Jupiter, Florida • Nina Smith Law, PLLC
Estate Planning in Jupiter, Florida
When we talk about estate planning, we're talking about more than wills. Nina believes that comprehensive planning means making arrangements for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances during your lifetime, as well as arranging for the disposition of property after your death. Who will make medical decisions or handle your finances if you become unable to do so for any length of time? Who will take care of your minor children? And importantly, what mechanisms work best for your situation and your family to achieve your goals, meet your needs, and carry out your wishes?
Estate planning is about taking care of your loved ones, and making sure your loved ones have the tools to take care of you. It is one of the kindest things you can do for your family, and we are honored to help guide you on this journey.
What an estate plan may include
- Last Will and Testament. Explains how you want your property distributed after death, names your personal representative, and may address guardianship for minor children.
- Revocable Living Trust. Can help organize assets, avoid probate when properly funded, and guide distributions to loved ones.
- Durable Power of Attorney. Designates someone you trust to manage financial and legal matters if you become unable to do so.
- Designation of Health Care Surrogate. Names someone to make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.
- Living Will. Documents your wishes for end-of-life care in certain circumstances.
- Deeds. Proper preparation and use of deeds to trust or enhanced life estate deeds can ensure that your house and properties pass to your loved ones efficiently while maintaining your homestead benefits.
- Beneficiary Designation Planning. Review and discussion about the use of named beneficiaries on financial and retirement accounts as part of a broader plan.
Planning for every stage
- Your first estate plan. A comprehensive plan tailored to your needs and wishes.
- Parents of minor children. Planning for your children's care and future.
- Young adults ages 18 to 25. New Adult Estate Planning helps young adults and their families prepare for emergencies.
- Incapacity planning. Naming trusted people to make decisions about your medical care, finances, and minor children.
- Estate plan review and updates. Keeping your documents aligned with changes in your family, finances, and goals.
Your estate planning consultation
Your consultation is a chance to talk about your family, goals, and concerns with an attorney. Nina explains your options for wills, trusts, incapacity planning, and protecting loved ones. Then you decide what fits your family.
Why plan ahead
Without a will, Florida law decides who inherits your property. Without a power of attorney or health care surrogate, a court process called guardianship may be needed if you become unable to make decisions. An estate plan lets you make these choices yourself, ahead of time.
What the process looks like
Consultation. You talk with Nina about your family, what you own, and your goals.
Drafting. Nina prepares your documents based on that conversation.
Review. You read the drafts and ask questions before anything is signed.
Signing. Florida law sets signing rules for each document. Nina is well versed in these rules and makes all arrangements to ensure your documents are properly signed.
Keeping it current. Plans are best reviewed after big life changes, like a marriage, divorce, new child, move, or a death in the family.
What to bring to your consultation
- Names and ages of your family members
- A general list of what you own, such as your home, bank and retirement accounts, life insurance, and business interests
- Any existing will, trust, or power of attorney
- Names of people you might want to serve as your personal representative, trustee, agent, or health care surrogate
Get in Touch
Need to set up a consultation? Click below to schedule today.