A thoughtful estate plan begins with a conversation about your life: the people you care about, the property you have worked to build, and the decisions you want to make for yourself. You do not need to arrive with every answer. These three steps can help you begin with a clear sense of direction.
1. Identify your goals and the people you trust
Make a list of your major assets, debts, insurance, retirement accounts, and business interests. Include how each asset is owned and whether it has a beneficiary designation. Approximate values are usually enough to begin the conversation.
Then consider who should receive property, who could help with financial and health care decisions, and who could manage an inheritance for a child or another beneficiary who needs support. Discuss the responsibilities with the people you hope to appoint and identify alternates.
Family circumstances matter. A second marriage, a beneficiary receiving public benefits, an ownership interest in a business, or property in more than one state may call for additional planning. Your plan should reflect those circumstances without becoming more complicated than necessary.
2. Choose and coordinate the appropriate documents
A will directs the disposition of probate property and can nominate a personal representative and guardians for minor children, subject to court appointment and applicable law. A revocable living trust may help manage assets during incapacity, provide continuing support for beneficiaries, and avoid probate for property properly transferred to it. Not every person needs the same combination of documents.
A revocable trust does not, by itself, reduce federal estate taxes or shelter the creator’s assets from the creator’s creditors. Any tax or creditor planning needs to address the applicable rules and the particular arrangement.
A durable power of attorney addresses authorized financial and legal decisions. Under current Florida law, it generally becomes effective when signed; durability means that it can remain effective during incapacity. A health care surrogate designation and living will address different medical decision-making needs. These documents should work together while preserving your right to make your own decisions when you are able.
3. Put the plan into practice and keep it current
Proper signing is only part of the work. Review deeds, account titles, and beneficiary forms. If you use a trust, determine what should be transferred to it and what should remain individually owned with an appropriate beneficiary designation. Retirement accounts require particular care.
Arrange safe storage and let your chosen helpers know how to find the relevant documents. Revisit the plan when your family, health, finances, residence, or applicable law changes.
I can guide you through the estate planning process, explain your options, and help turn your intentions into a coordinated plan. Contact Verras Law to begin.
Sources: Florida powers of attorney; Revocable trust creditor rules; Health care surrogate authority.
Updated October 26, 2026.