• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kulas & Crawford

Attorneys at Law

Call Now: (772) 398.0720

Attend a Free Workshop
  • Home
  • About Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • Elder Law and Medicaid
    • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Financial Planning Assistance
    • IRA and Retirement Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Probate and Trust Administration
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Definitions
    • Elder Care Resources
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Elder Law Reports
      • Vero Beach Elder Law Resources
    • Estate Plan Checkup
    • Florida Alzheimer’s Guide
    • FREE Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Free Seminars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Elder Law and Medicaid
      • Estate Planning FAQ’s
      • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Legacy Wealth Planning FAQ’s
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions
      • Probate
      • Trust Administration & Probate Frequently Asked Questions
      • Veteran’s Benefits
      • Wills and Trusts
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Presentations
    • Probate Checklist
    • Probate Resources
      • Port St Lucie Probate
      • Stuart Probate
      • Vero Beach Probate
    • Published Books
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
      • Trust Administration
    • Top Estate Planning Techniques
  • Workshops
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Communities We Serve
    • Indian River County
      • Vero Beach
    • Martin County
      • Hobe Sound
      • Jensen Beach
      • Stuart
    • Okeechobee County
      • Okeechobee
    • St. Lucie County
      • Fort Pierce
      • Port St. Lucie
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home >> Florida Estate Planning Tips

Florida Estate Planning Tips

May 20, 2020 by Robert Kulas.

Florida estate planning attorney

If you have yet to create an estate plan, there is no time like the present to get started. Like many people, you may have put off estate planning because it can appear to be a daunting task. To help you feel more comfortable with the idea of creating your plan, a Florida estate planning attorney at Kulas & Crawford offers some estate planning tips.

  • Define your goals. When most people think about estate planning, they immediately think about the distribution of their assets upon death. While this may be one of your estate planning goals, you probably have additional goals as well. For example, if you have a child with specials needs you will want to include special needs planning in your plan. If you are concerned about threats to your assets, asset protection should be a goal. Larger estates also need to worry about the impact of taxes on the estate as well as including probate avoidance strategies to limit the time and money spent on the probate of the estate.
  • List your assets and liabilities. You probably have a general idea of what your net worth is and how much you owe in debts and liabilities; however, for the purpose of estate planning you need to know your assets and liabilities in great detail. Sit down and make a list of all assets, including as much additional information about each asset as possible. Do the same of all debts and liabilities. 
  • Take some time to consider who you need to provide for in your plan. For the most part, you probably already know who your beneficiaries will be and who you wish to provide for in your estate plan; however, when you sit down and think about it you may find that the list is longer than you initially thought. Don’t forget to include charities and family pets in your list if applicable.
  • Remember to include incapacity planning. A well thought out and comprehensive estate plan doesn’t just plan for the possibility of your death. It should also contemplate the possibility of your incapacity. Incapacity is not limited to the elderly. On the contrary you stand about a one in five chance of suffering a period of incapacity lasting at least five months or longer during your working years. If incapacity does strike, you want to be sure you decide ahead of time who will control your assets and who will make personal and medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself.
  • Try to be realistic and pragmatic. Estate planning can become very emotional; however, you should try to keep your emotions out of it to the extent possible. For example, when deciding who to appoint as the Executor of your estate, make sure you appoint the person who is most qualified instead of appointing a spouse out of a sense of obligation. Likewise, if you have a beneficiary that simply doesn’t handle money well for any reason, do not feel obligated to include direct gifts to him/her in your plan. Instead, consider using a trust to pass down the beneficiary’s inheritance.
  • Consider including a funeral planning component. For most people, just the idea of planning their own funeral is difficult to contemplate. While this is understandable, there are several reasons why you should tackle it anyway. For one thing, you may have strong feelings about how your body should be handled after your death and the only way you can be assured your wishes will be honored is to include a funeral planning component in your estate plan. Additionally, by planning things yourself, you remove the stress of having to do so from your loved ones who will be grieving at the time and may not be thinking clearly.

Contact a Florida Estate Planning Attorney

To learn more, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions about estate planning, please contact an experienced Florida estate planning attorney at Kulas & Crawford by calling (772) 398-0720 to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Estate Planning

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
Start 2022 the Right Way
Vero Beach estate planning attorney
Top 5 Estate Planning Goals
Vero Beach estate planning attorneys
Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes
Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
Port St. Lucie estate planning attorneys
Estate Planning 101

Kulas & Crawford

Download Free Estate Planning Worksheet

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.

TESTIMONIALS

Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I needed a simple, easy-to-use way to add testimonials to my website and display them. Easy Testimonials Pro did all of that and more!

Janet Exampleton
Owner, Exampleton Productions
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I receieved excellent customer support, and quickly. Thank you so much!

Linda Herman
Founder, Herman Studios
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I love your product! I would recommend this to anyone. What a great find!

Steve
Developer, Acme Co.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
~L.G.K
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
~Joan C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
~Mildred W
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
~Leo C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
~Krissy L
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

default image
~Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

default image
Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
L.G.K.
<
>

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog Subscription

PORT ST. LUCIE

East Lake Professional Center
2100 SE Hillmoor Drive, Suite 105 Port St. Lucie, FL,34952
Phone: (772) 398-0720
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • PORT ST. LUCIE

VERO BEACH

Bridgeview Building
2770 Indian River Blvd, Suite 321, Vero Beach, FL, 32960
Phone: (772) 778-8481
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • VERO BEACH

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
footer-logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The information on this Florida Attorneys & Lawyers / Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Kulas & Crawford. Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map | Powered by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys


© 2022 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.