New State, New Laws – Is Your Estate Plan Florida Ready?
New home? Check
New State? Check
New Laws? Check
A major move to sunny Florida brings with it excitement and a bit more planning than may have been considered. Whether you moved here for a new job, warmer weather, family, retirement, or tax planning – there is one important item that shouldn’t be missed: estate planning.
Your will, trust, power of attorney, health care documents, beneficiary designations, and other planning documents prepared under the laws of another state should be reviewed by a Florida estate planning attorney. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are suddenly invalid, but a difference in state laws can create unexpected issues.
Florida also has its own laws concerning homestead property, probate, estate planning, and the execution of certain legal documents. That makes a review particularly important if you purchased a Florida home. There are benefits to owning a home in Florida and if you have a trust, it must reflect certain language so you can maximize those benefits.
In addition to ensuring your documents meet your goals in Florida, think of your move as an opportunity to ask a few important questions:
(1) Does your existing estate plan still reflect your wishes?
(2) Are the people named to make financial or health care decisions for you still the right choices?
(3) Have your assets or beneficiaries changed?
(4) Does your plan account for your new Florida residence?
At Three Oaks Law, we help clients understand their estate planning options and create plans designed around their circumstances and goals. If you recently moved to Jacksonville or Northeast Florida, consider making an estate plan review part of getting settled.
New state. New home. New chapter. Make sure your estate plan moves forward with you.
Contact Three Oaks Law to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn what updates may be appropriate for your Florida estate plan.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances vary.