Central Florida Estate Planning Attorney Helping You Secure Your Future

Estate planning is not just for retirement. It is essential for anyone who owns property, has children or wants control over their future medical care. Whether you are an older individual looking to protect a lifetime of hard work, or a younger, divorced person needing to name a guardian for minor children, Kathy D. Sheive is your trusted estate planning attorney ready to guide you.

Serving clients in Polk, Osceola, and Orange counties, Ms. Sheive works with you to design a personalized plan that ensures your wishes are legally enforceable and protects your assets.

Key Components Of Your Estate Plan

Attorney Sheive helps you create essential legal documents to protect your assets and provide clarity for your loved ones.

Last Will And Testament

This document names who will receive your property and, critically, designates the guardianship for minor children. Ms. Sheive strives to ensure your will meets all formal requirements to be valid under Florida law.

Trusts

Using a trust is one of the most effective methods for avoiding probate, providing for seamless trust administration after death. Ms. Sheive advises on tools like the revocable living trust. Specifically, she can explain the differences between an irrevocable trust and a revocable trust based on your goals for tax and asset protection.

Advance Directives And Power Of Attorney

Planning for the possibility of incapacity is crucial. Attorney Sheive drafts the documents needed to protect your health and finances if you cannot make decisions:

• Power of attorney for finances: This document names a trusted person to manage your bills and property if you become unable to do so yourself.
• Advance health care directive: This document records your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments. It is paired with a HIPAA release form so doctors can speak to your chosen agents.

These documents let you control your care and finances exactly as you intend, removing family uncertainty.

Strategies For Estate Planning, Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts, Power Of Attorney, And Living Wills

Attorney Sheive’s estate planning practice aims to provide clients with the tools they need to prepare for the future and achieve their unique goals. She can guide you on using revocable trusts and other types of trusts to protect your legacy and pass your wealth along in the way you desire. She can help you plan for a wide range of issues, including modern concerns such as what happens with digital assets after death. Turn to her for the customized estate planning strategies you need. Kathy D. Sheive, P.A., proudly serves individuals and families in Central Florida.

Answering Your Florida Estate Planning Questions

As your dedicated estate planning attorney, Ms. Sheive provides clarity on key legal questions affecting your plan.

How does Florida’s homestead law impact my ability to leave my home to a specific heir?

Florida’s homestead exemption law is very strict, heavily restricting how you can transfer your primary residence. For example, you usually cannot leave the home outright to anyone except your spouse if you have minor children. This makes comprehensive legal planning vital to ensure your wishes about your home are met.

How can a revocable living trust help my family avoid the time and expense of the Florida probate process?

A revocable living trust helps you skip the costly, lengthy Florida probate process. The trust legally owns your assets, not you personally. Probate only applies to property owned solely by the decedent. Therefore, property held in the trust bypasses the court entirely after your passing. This is a primary benefit over just using a last will and testament.

Do I need to update my estate planning documents once they’re drafted?

Yes, you must review and potentially update your documents often. Major life events – such as divorce, marriage or moving – may affect your plan. Also, changes in tax laws, such as shifts in the estate tax exemption limit, can impact its effectiveness.

Don’t Delay: Protect Your Family’s Future Now

Ready to protect your legacy? Contact Kathy D. Sheive, P.A., today to schedule your consultation. Call her at 407-490-0355 or fill out the online form to discuss your needs with an estate planning lawyer.