Becoming a Client
Ft Lauderdale Estate Planning Law Firm – Understanding the Three P’s of Estate Planning
#1 – People
Who are the Important People in your life? Beginning with yourself, they also likely include your loved ones: your spouse if you are married, children and grandchildren if you have any, perhaps your parents, siblings or other relatives. Beyond these, however, “Important People” also could include charities, special causes, colleges or universities, or churches to which you are committed. For some, “Important People” could even include pets. Spend some time thinking about the impact others have had on your life. Make a list and jot notes if you like. This is where the planning process truly begins.
#2 – Property
By Property we mean your assets in general. Make a list of the assets you own or control. At this point, you do not need to identify insurance policy numbers and exact dollar values. Rather think through your assets in terms of their nature (cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.); their value in thousands of dollars; and your ownership interest: Do you own assets in your name only, in joint tenancy with someone else, or through a trust agreement or some other arrangement? Be sure to include often-overlooked assets like life insurance (the death benefit, not the cash value), business interests, and any inheritance you may expect to receive.
#3 – Plans
After identifying the Important People in your life and your Property, the next step is to consider the plans you would make for those people (including yourself) and that Property in the event of your own incapacity or death.
- Who would you name to make decisions for you if you could no longer do so yourself?
- Would the same person handle your finances and your personal and health care decisions?
- Who would care for your minor children?
- How would you distribute your assets to your heirs?
- Would you prefer to spare your heirs the potential cost and hassles of the probate process?
- Would you like to minimize the impact of estate taxes ... or maximize the impact of a charitable bequest?
- Is there someone in your family with special needs for whom you would like to provide?
- Is there someone who perhaps should not receive a great deal of (or any) money without some outside oversight?
These Are The Important Questions To Consider
These are just a few of the issues to consider when approaching the planning process. They are much more important than the “treasure hunt” for legal documents at this stage.
ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE
Our estate planning services are offered through simple, flat-fee plans—so you always know the cost upfront. No hourly billing. No surprises.
Each plan is thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are in life, while providing the clarity, protection, and peace of mind your legacy deserves.
Cornerstone plan
- Last Will & Testament
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Health Care Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- HIPPA authorization
Stewardship plan
- Revocable Living Trust
- Power of Attorney
- Advance Healthcare Directive
- Pour-Over Will
- HIPAA Authorization
- Certification of Trust
- Personal property assignment
- 1 Real Estate Deed Transfer
- Secure online storage
Legacy & Generations plan
- Revocable Living Trust
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Advance Healthcare Directive
- Pour-Over Will
- Personal property assignment
- HIPAA Authorization
- Certification of Trust
- 3 Real Estate Deed Transfers
- 1 business review and assignment
- Free annual review
- Life and legacy planning session
- Life and legacy portal: portal with tax and financial professionals recs
- Free Mobile notary service signing at home
- Personalized binder
- Secure online storage
- Preferred client pricing on future updates (50% Off future amendments and updates, include in the engagement letter)
- 1 year of funding guidance
Medicaid Planning
- Everything included from prior plans
- Medicaid assessment and irrevocable trust