Bonita Springs Estate Planning Attorneys

Experienced Southwest Florida lawyers help clients accomplish their goals

Proper estate planning requires much more than filling in the blanks on a “do it yourself” will. At Lyons & Lyons, P.A., our experienced Southwest Florida lawyers help clients direct the efficient distribution of assets upon their death while meeting their lifetime needs. From our offices in Bonita Springs, Naples and North Port, we create wills, trusts, power of attorney documents and other personalized legal instruments that are clear and enforceable. Whether you’re concerned about tax exposure, helping your loved ones avoid probate or making sure that your wishes are honored in the event of a medical emergency, our estate planning attorneys can help you accomplish your goals.

Wills and trusts

An accurate, enforceable will is a necessity even if you plan to distribute most of your assets through other means. Property that is not otherwise addressed would be subject to Florida’s intestacy laws if you not have a legal will in place. When we prepare your last will and testament, we ensure that all requirements are met and that the document clearly declares your intentions. This way, you can minimize the likelihood of a probate dispute among your loved ones. Our firm also assists with revisions and codicils if your estate planning objectives change. Trusts are legal instruments that can hold assets for a specific purpose designated by the grantor. Many people establish revocable living trusts, which allow them to access trust assets for the rest of their lives then pass what’s left to named beneficiaries. The recipients do not have to wait through the probate process and the grantor can change or terminate the trust at any time while they are alive. You can also create an irrevocable trust that gives you the ability to endow a charitable cause, maintain the ability to collect Medicaid long-term care benefits, provide financial support to a special needs child or serve a different purpose.

Strategies for transferring assets outside the probate process

In the probate process, an estate representative works under the supervision of the court to pay off a decedent’s debts and transfer their assets to the proper beneficiaries. As this might involve extensive time and effort, many individuals seek to shift property on their death outside of the probate system. Along with placing assets into a trust, there are other methods of distributing property without having to deal with probate requirements. Jointly owned properties, life insurance proceeds, payable-on-death accounts and other types of assets are suitable options if you’re looking to make things easier for your intended beneficiaries. After learning about your specific priorities, we can advise on the solutions that will work best for you.

Powers of attorney and healthcare directives

The overall goal of any estate plan is to preserve as much wealth as possible and to distribute it efficiently to ease the burden on your loved ones. If your assets are depleted during your lifetime, you might be able to leave the legacy that you wish. This is one of the reasons why it is important to create legal instruments that ensure that your affairs are handled properly if you are incapacitated by an illness or injury. We can create a durable power of attorney document so that you can appoint someone you trust to assume legal authority for you if the need ever arises. You might also wish to authorize a family member or friend to act as your healthcare surrogate so that there is no confusion about who is in charge during a medical crisis. Another option is a living will where you can declare if you want to be resuscitated or have other extraordinary medical measures used in an end-of-life situation.

Personalized estate planning counsel to meet your specific needs

When you work with our firm, you can rely on thoughtful, thorough counsel regarding the issues that are most important as you look toward the future. We can help you address key considerations such as:

  • Guardianship for minor children
  • Business succession planning
  • Estate tax liability
  • Charitable giving
  • Spendthrift beneficiaries
  • Bequests to children in unstable marriages
  • Preserving your assets in the event of a catastrophic medical condition

Regardless of your financial situation or your particular goals, we can develop an effective strategy aimed at achieving your objectives.

Contact a Southwest Florida estate planning attorney for a consultation

Lyons & Lyons, P.A. advises Florida clients on a full range of estate planning matters, including the preparation of wills and trusts. To make an appointment for a meeting with one of our attorneys at our Bonita Springs, Naples or North Port office, please call 239-948-1823 or contact us online.