Achieving Peace of Mind During a Time of Change and Uncertainty through Estate Planning

We are living in a time of change and ongoing uncertainty. During the last month we experienced a change in U.S. government leadership from the Trump to the Biden Administration, and with this change comes the potential for new policies that may potentially affect many aspects of our lives, including tax consequences for gifting and inheritances. Even with the initial rollout of vaccinations, there continues to be much concern and uncertainty about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and variants of the virus. All of us continue to be affected by these changes and uncertainty in some way or another.

While the stress and anxiety that many of us are experiencing are real, it is also a fact that we are able to find more comfort and peace of mind by addressing practical concerns that we can control. Many people have found the ongoing public health crisis, and time of political adversity, to be catalysts for addressing their goals for Estate Planning. By addressing practical concerns, such as protecting their families in the case of an emergency or death and being proactive about planning long-term care, many clients report feeling more at peace and positive about their current situations and their futures.

Addressing any concerns you have about your and your family’s health, financial situation, and plans for the future through holistic Estate Planning is one of the most important and practical things you can do.

We want to reassure your that our compassionate and caring Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys are here for you, and that we are sensitive to you and your family’s needs and concerns.

If you need to initiate an Estate Planning review, or new Estate Planning case at this time, we are happy to assist you. Depending on your level of comfort and abilities, we can handle your initial intake or planning review consult by phone, video conference, or in person in most instances. We are also happy to conduct socially-distanced signings.

If it has been a while since you last updated your plan with our office, please remember that a review and update is typically needed:

1. If more than 3 years have passed since you signed your planning documents;

2. If new children have been born or adopted;

3. If your children have now become adults;

4. If you have become a grandparent;

5. If there has been a significant change in the value or composition of your planning assets;

6. If you have disposed of specific assets which were going to a named beneficiary;

7. If one or more of your named beneficiaries have deceased or are now under a disability;

8. If one or more of your named fiduciaries, agents, or surrogates have deceased, are now under a disability, or are no longer appropriate to serve for you;

9. If there have been significant tax law changes since you signed your plan; or

10. If there have been significant Florida law changes since you signed your plan.

Our Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and empathy necessary to guide you in preparing a Will or Trust, or in legally representing you in a Probate or Trust Administration. If you have any concerns about Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, or managing the costs of long-term care, please do not delay. Call us today at (904)264-8800, and set up a phone, video, or in-person appointment today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring Elder Law Attorneys. With offices, located in Jacksonville, Orange Park, and St. Augustine we continue to provide essential professional, legal services to our community.

We are your Florida First Coast Elder Law Attorneys.