A Fall Estate Planning Checklist for Jacksonville Families

By Ramona S. Chaplin, P.A.

October is a good time for Florida families to review their estate planning documents before the holiday season begins. Whether you have experienced a marriage, divorce, new child, or loss in the family, your documents may need attention.

At Ramona S. Chaplin, P.A., our work in Florida probate and guardianship matters shows how valuable clear instructions and organized records can be for loved ones. This fall estate planning checklist can help you identify questions to discuss with an attorney.

Review Your Florida Will

Does your will still reflect your wishes? Review the beneficiaries and the person you have named to administer your estate.

A Florida will allows you to identify who should receive your probate assets and nominate a personal representative. Changes require proper legal formalities; writing on a signed will can create validity problems.

If your family or financial circumstances have changed, gather your existing will for an attorney’s review.

Consider Who Could Manage Your Financial Affairs

Who would you trust to help with financial matters if illness or injury prevented you from managing them?

A Florida durable power of attorney can authorize another person to act within the authority granted by the document and can remain effective during incapacity. Review both the person you selected and the powers your document provides.

Review Your Health Care Planning Documents

Your estate planning review should also include your health care wishes.

A health care surrogate designation identifies someone to make health care decisions under the applicable circumstances. A living will communicates wishes concerning certain medical treatment. Discuss your preferences with the person you choose so they understand your wishes.

Organize Important Family and Financial Records

Make a secure list of your important documents, financial institutions, insurance policies, and professional contacts. Let a trusted person know where to find the information.

Gathering these records can also help your attorney understand your circumstances when addressing a Florida probate or guardianship matter. Keep passwords and sensitive account information in secure storage.

Speak With a Florida  Probate and Guardianship Attorney

Start by gathering your documents and writing down what has changed since you signed them. You do not need to have every detail organized before seeking guidance.

Ramona S. Chaplin, P.A. assists clients with probate and guardianship matters in Jacksonville and surrounding Northeast Florida communities. Contact our office to discuss your family’s needs and next steps.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.