Thinking about what will happen if you pass away or lose the ability to make decisions for yourself can be scary. However, if estate planning is never made a priority or is put off for too long, Florida Law will ultimately determine how to handle your assets if you pass away, or you may end up with a guardian you would have never chosen for yourself.  It is much more beneficial for you and your loved ones to be armed with the tools necessary to carry out your wishes when situations such as incapacity, illness, or death arise.  

An estate plan will allow you to make long-term decisions for yourself, your estate, and your loved ones while also remaining flexible to account for transitions into different stages of life.  A properly executed estate plan can help you avoid Guardianship should you ever become incapacitated or unable to care for yourself, which can be extremely costly and far more restricting.  It allows you to determine things such as the medical treatment you receive, who will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf, who will take care of your minor children if you become unable, and who will receive your worldly possessions once you pass away.

Many people believe do-it-yourself forms and websites to be an alternative to hiring an attorney for their estate plan.  However, Florida law is constantly evolving, you may end up with a document that does not comply with the latest changes in Florida Law, incorrectly worded or executed documents, exclusion of important details, just to name a few.  Your documents may not do what you intended for them to do causing costly legal disputes and family feuds that can last years.