Orlando Wills & Trusts Attorney

Many people dread estate planning. They don’t want to think about growing older or the possibility of death. As a result, they put off estate planning until it is much too late. Call Ronald Cutler, P.A. today. Our firm can discuss whether you want a will or trust, as well as other estate planning documents. If hired, an Orlando wills & trust attorney can begin working on your estate plan.

What Can You Accomplish with a Will?

Our clients use wills for many estate planning purposes:

• Name a personal representative. This is the individual who will guide your estate through probate. They are tasked with paying your debts after death, as well as filing taxes. They will also defend the estate against any possible litigation, such as a will contest. You should meet with our legal team to discuss an appropriate personal representative.
• Appoint guardians for minor children. If you die, your spouse can raise the children. But what if both of you die? You can name people to serve as guardians in your will.
• Leave assets to loved ones. Probably the primary goal of a will is to identify who will inherit your assets after death. You can leave specific gifts to individuals or divide the estate between them. You can even disinherit your children, if you want, but disinheriting a spouse is much harder.

There are certain things you can’t do with a will, such as leave assets to a pet. Call Ronald Cutler, P.A. for assistance deciding if a will is right for you.

Why Do People Create Trusts?

A trust is another common estate planning document. It can supplement a will or even take its place. A trust is a legal vehicle for owning and managing property. You transfer title to assets to the trust, which is managed by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries.

Some people create a living trust while living. They can move assets in and out of the trust, and even shut it down, if they want. Other trusts are irrevocable, which might provide tax advantages.

Trusts have certain advantages over a will:

• Trusts are not probated, so the contents are private.
• You can leave assets for the benefit of a pet and name someone to take care of your beloved animals.
• A trust might be easier to administer after death.
• You can leave assets to someone on government assistance, and the assets won’t count for purposes of any means test.
• Your loved ones might still challenge a trust, like they would a will. For example, they could claim you lacked capacity when you created it. Call us to discuss who to name as a trustee, as well as other issues.

Experienced Orlando Wills & Trusts Attorneys

Nobody should try to draft their own will or trust. Don’t rely on online forms or computer programs to generate a document. Instead, you will benefit from our advice and help thinking through your estate planning goals. Call us today to schedule a meeting with an Orlando wills and trusts attorney.