DO YOU MAKE THESE ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKES? * Do you believe that having a Will avoids probate? * Do you think your estate is too small for estate planning? * Have you added one of your children's names to your home's deed to avoid probate? * Have you prepared a trust and never funded it? In nearly 30 years of practicing law in Florida, Dean Hanewinckel has helped his clients avoid these and other mistakes, while preparing an estate plan that saves money, time and aggravation. This book will teach you in plain-English what you need to know to create the perfect estate plan for you and your family and give you peace of mind.

What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. To ensure your assets are protected and final wishes are carried out, there are some common actions that should be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs. Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Florida will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer Florida residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Author Linda C. Ashar, Attorney at Law, has crafted an estate planning primer, allowing Florida residents to become more informed and more involved during the process. Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but this book highly recommends using an attorney versed in this area: You should not go through the process alone. This book is intended explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning so when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared. You will understand the legal terms and be ready to discuss issues and strategies with familiarity, saving you time and legal fees and ensuring peace of mind. Florida-specific information is offered throughout this book, including: Florida''s probate code; Florida rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid Florida will; planning your living will in Florida; explanations of Florida laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR. The book''s easy-to-understand context clarifies this complicated and sensitive subject and gives readers the power to take control of their future. This book also offers an overview of abatement rules, settlement costs, guardianship and minor children, executors and trustees, life insurance, potential long-term care needs, marital deductions, types of trusts, gift splitting, survivorship deeds, 529 plans, reducing or eliminating estate taxes, avoiding tax on life insurance, using insurance to pay estate taxes, gift tax issues, generation skipping transfer tax, and tax-deferred accounts. Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although few people want to think about the possibility of disability or disease, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Other books offer a non-state-specific overview of estate planning, causing many readers to be misinformed about rules and regulations particular to their state; but, this new book provides information Florida residents need to know. Do not get outdated or wrong information that does not pertain to you specifically. Use this new book to craft an estate plan that is not only legally sound but also fully carries out your last wishes and protects your loved ones. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of what Florida residents should consider when thinking about "estate planning." The concept, "estate planning," is typically thought as death planning or tax planning. This approach may have been useful many years ago when life expectancy was short or the estate tax exemption was low. Today we live longer and estate taxes rarely affect 99% of the population. Therefore, when we talk about estate planning today the focus is more on control of our assets, incapacity planning, accessing to government benefits that may help with long term care planning, ensuring that our money will help us have a decent lifestyle, and eventually plan to leave a legacy to our children. This book covers the basic concepts such as wills, trusts, power of attorney, etc., how to prepare for an estate planning consultation, what you need to know about costs, and then explains concepts such as probate, guardianships, special needs trusts, Medicaid and Veterans Administration benefits that may help pay for long term care costs. The book is an essential reading to prepare to effectively discuss your plan of action with your trusted advisors. We hope you enjoy reading as we did preparing it.

An overview of estate planning options for Georgia residents. Learn what steps to take to protect your family and feel empowered to take those steps. Knowing your family is protected will bring you peace of mind.

- For everyone with even modest assets in Florida to ensure financial security and peace of mind - Wills, trusts, charitable giving, living wills and other medical decisions, estate taxes, Insurance, and probate - Written in clear, nontechnical language

Protect your family in 10 simple steps!