Lake Nona Estate Planning Attorneys
Protecting Your Rights, Assets & Peace of Mind
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Over Forty Years of Combined Experience
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Big Firm Resources. Personalized Service
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Highly Rated & Accredited
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Strong Litigation Record
Estate Planning Services for High-Net-Worth Individuals
The estate planning process can be difficult, especially when it involves legal proceedings and documentation. Walker Flick is a team of experienced Lake Nona estate planning, wills, and trusts attorneys here to guide you through every step of this complex and emotional process.
Attorney James M. Flick has specialized in estate planning, asset protection planning, and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and business owners for over ten years. With decades of combined experience in estate planning, will, and trust laws, our firm is committed to ensuring that all assets are distributed according to the last will of the deceased.
Estate Planning Attorneys Helping You Preserve Your Wealth
High-net-worth estate planning often involves crafting tailored strategies that align with the unique goals and values of the individual or family. Our Lake Nona estate planning attorneys are here to help strategize and create a personalized estate plan to protect your assets, business and loved ones in the event of incapacity or death.
Whether aiming to preserve wealth across generations, support charitable endeavors, or ensure the continuity of a family business, a well-crafted estate plan is an indispensable tool in achieving these objectives. It provides clarity, control, and peace of mind while ensuring that one’s legacy is preserved and protected.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the strategic process of arranging the management and disposal of an individual’s estate during their lifetime and death. It encompasses the creation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents required to distribute assets according to the deceased’s final wishes while minimizing taxes and legal hurdles.
For high-net-worth individuals, estate planning becomes especially crucial. Their complex and substantial assets may include businesses, real estate, investments, and more, necessitating careful planning to optimize tax efficiency, protect assets, and maintain family harmony. Without a well-structured estate plan, these individuals may leave their heirs with a costly and time-consuming probate process, disputes over inheritance, or significant tax burdens.
What Legal Documents Do I Need for Estate Planning?
The process may appear overwhelming, and you may need clarification about what documents you need for estate planning. That is why collaborating with a trustworthy Central Florida or Orange County law firm can help simplify the process. We are ready to assist you in completing, filing, and managing the required legal documents for a successful estate plan.
Last Will & Testament
A last will and testament is a legal document detailing an individual’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. It designates beneficiaries, appoints an executor to manage the estate, and can specify guardianship for minor children. Without a will, asset distribution defaults to Florida intestacy laws.
Living Will
Living wills are legal documents that express an individual’s medical treatment preferences should they become incapacitated and unable to communicate. Unlike a last will, which addresses asset distribution, a living will dictates medical decisions like treatment and life support to ensure that a person’s healthcare wishes are respected.
Power of Attorney
Powers of attorney are legal documents that authorize a designated person, or “agent”, to act on behalf of another individual, or “principal”. This authority can cover financial, medical, or other life decisions. POAs can be general or specific and can take effect immediately or under certain circumstances like incapacitation.
Surrogate Healthcare Designation
A Surrogate Healthcare Designation allows an individual to appoint a trusted person, or surrogate, to make medical decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated. This designated surrogate is allowed to consult with healthcare providers and make treatment decisions in alignment with the individual’s preferences or best interests.
What Is a Last Will & Testament?
A last will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets, property, and personal belongings after their death. It provides clear instructions on how the estate should be managed, including naming an executor to oversee the administration of the estate.
Additionally, a will can designate guardians for minor children and address other important matters like funeral arrangements. Creating a will helps make sure your wishes are respected and prevent potential disputes among family members, making the estate settlement process smoother and more efficient.
Find a Last Will Attorney in Orlando, FL
Finding an Orlando will attorney is important to ensure your estate is managed efficiently and effectively. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the probate process, help you protect the interests of minor children, and create essential documents, such as a durable power of attorney tailored to your unique situation.
Our vast expertise in this area of law will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your assets and loved ones are well-protected. Don’t leave your estate planning to chance – enlist the services of a skilled will and trust attorney who will prioritize your needs and safeguard your legacy.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of a beneficiary. Trusts serve various purposes, such as minimizing estate taxes, avoiding probate, and protecting assets from creditors. Lake Nona trust litigation attorneys specialize in creating and managing trusts that cater to your needs and goals.
Common Types of Trusts
Trusts are powerful tools in the world of financial planning and asset management. Depending on the unique circumstances and state laws surrounding your case, there are different kinds of trusts that can be used in different scenarios.
Living Trusts
A living or revocable trust allows assets to be placed under a trustee’s management for a beneficiary’s benefit. They offer more control and privacy, often avoiding probate. Unlike wills, Living Trusts take effect during the grantor’s lifetime, providing flexibility in asset management and potential protection in cases of incapacity.
Testamentary Trusts
Testamentary trusts are created within a will and take effect upon the grantor’s death. They allow the grantor to specify how assets will be managed and distributed to beneficiaries, often over time or under certain conditions. These trusts provide a structured way to protect assets and support loved ones.
Irrevocable Trusts
The terms of an irrevocable trust cannot be easily modified or terminated without the beneficiary’s consent. Once assets are transferred into the trust, the grantor relinquishes control. This structure offers strong asset protection and potential tax benefits. However, it lacks the flexibility of a revocable trust, making careful planning essential.
Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts allow individuals to support philanthropic causes while often providing tax benefits. A trustee manages assets placed in a charitable trust to ensure the funds are donated to the intended philanthropic goals specified by the grantor.
Estate Planning Services in Lake Nona, FL
If you are seeking the help of qualified estate planning attorneys in Lake Nona, FL, our experienced lawyers specialize in asset protection planning for high-net worth individuals throughout Orange County and Central Florida. Schedule a meet-and-greet with our Lake Nona probate attorneys today to protect your estate tomorrow.
Client Success Stories
Discover why clients trust and recommend our legal services.
Charles “Chad” Walker has served Gibbs & Register, Inc. for the past ten years as our de facto general counsel. Chad has demonstrated both a broad knowledge of general legal matters and has been exceptional when it comes to construction law. His knowledge of both the law and the specifics of each issue he has advised us on has been well researched and his proposed strategies have been successful.
Amazing Just Amazing. The James and his team were fabulous. I want to thank everyone for helping me through this probate process. Every question I had you guys always answer and I am really thankful. The different modes of communication was wonderful especially for me that has a busy schedule. I would definitely recommend to anyone they are great at what they do.
Working with James and his team has been great. They are a hardworking group that cares about their clients. I highly recommend.
I had a great experience and would definitely use them again for any estate planning needs. Thanks guys!
