Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning in Tampa
Wills and Trusts and related information
Estate planning attorneys of Fuentes & Kreischer, PA in Tampa can help clients prepare wills to ensure their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets are followed.
Creating a Will
Creating a will is a process of providing for your family's future after you pass away. With the help of a Tampa wills lawyer, you, the testator, can define how your assets will be managed and distributed to your heirs. You also designate a person who oversees the process of distribution along with your attorney. That person is called a personal representative. A personal representative should be a trusted family member or friend who will administer the estate according to your wishes.
Elements of a Will
In Florida, for a will to be valid, it must have these elements:
- The decedent must be 18 years old
- The decedent must be of sound mind
- The will must be signed in front of witnesses that are not beneficiaries in the will
We can help you set up a power of attorney, trusts for your children, and ensure there are no aspects of estate planning you may have overlooked.
Dying Without a Will
If a person dies without a will, the estate is said to be intestate. In this case, the court determines the beneficiaries and divides the property. Assets are distributed in this order:
- Your spouse and children
- If you die without children, your estate goes to your spouse
- If you die without a spouse, your estate goes to your parents
- If you die without parents, your estate goes to your siblings
As you can see, you may have different ways you would like your assets dispersed. Working with a Tampa wills law firm to plan your estate is the best way to make sure your wishes are carried out. At Fuentes & Kreischer in Tampa, we offer free initial consultations to discuss how your estate can be administered so that your wishes are smoothly carried out. Call us today at 813-933-6647, or submit our quick contact web form and we will promptly answer your request.
Living Trust
As an alternative to a will, many clients elect to establish a Living Trust, as a means of insuring distribution of their assets upon death while avoiding the expense, delay and public nature of probate.
Contact Our Team Today
For reliable assistance with wills in the Tampa area, contact Fuentes & Kreischer today.
