Starting The New Year Off Right

It always feels good to welcome a new year, and it was especially nice to celebrate the start of 2021 last week. As the excitement of the holiday season wanes, and we all get back into our routines, the reality that we continue to live in a time of great concern and uncertainty about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic still faces us all. Many of us continue to alter our typical plans and activities due to the risks of the coronavirus, and we are all doing the best we can to be cautious and to protect ourselves and our loved ones as we seek to return to some sense of normal this year.

Many people also find the new year is a good time to address bigger concerns regarding their personal health, families, and loved ones in regard to lifetime and post mortem planning. By addressing practical concerns such as protecting their families in the case of an accident, emergency, illness, or death, and being proactive about planning long-term care, many clients report feeling more positive about their current situations and their futures. Having more peace of mind about these serious issues can be one of the best ways we can start the new year.

We want to reassure you 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. We remain here for you to discuss your planning, goals for 2021, and your overall situation.

If you need to initiate an Estate Planning review, or new Estate Planning case at this time, please know that 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.