Historical context: This article began as a discussion of estate planning during the early COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The original case counts and predictions about a future estate-tax reduction are no longer current. The continuing lesson is the value of making a practical plan before illness or another disruption creates urgency.
Prepare for help when it is needed
The pandemic prompted many people to think about who could speak for them, care for family members, and manage important responsibilities if they became seriously ill. Those questions remain useful regardless of the event that brings them to mind.
A durable power of attorney can give a trusted person specified financial and legal authority. A Florida power of attorney signed under current law generally takes effect when executed, subject to limited exceptions; it is not ordinarily a document that waits for incapacity. Choosing the agent and the scope of the powers deserves careful thought.
A designation of health care surrogate and a living will address different aspects of medical decision-making and treatment wishes. Make sure the people you name understand your preferences and know where to find the documents. The documents should support an informed conversation about your values, not replace it.
Coordinate what happens to property
A will directs probate property at death and can nominate a personal representative and a guardian for minor children. A properly funded revocable trust may provide management during incapacity and avoid probate for trust property. A trust can be helpful, but is not necessary for every family and does not guarantee immediate or cost-free administration.
Account titles, retirement benefits, life insurance, and other beneficiary arrangements should be reviewed with the documents. For parents of young children, the plan should also address who can care for the children and how their financial support will be managed.
Use current tax information
The federal basic estate-tax exclusion for a U.S. citizen or resident dying in 2026 is $15 million. Adjusted taxable lifetime gifts and other rules affect the analysis. The earlier prediction in this article of a reduction after 2025 did not become the governing 2026 rule. Tax provisions can change again, so a plan should be reviewed when the law or the family’s circumstances changes.
We can help you identify the documents and follow-through that would be useful now. Estate planning is a constructive way to support the people you care about, with enough time to understand the choices and make them thoughtfully.
Sources: IRS current estate-tax thresholds; Florida power-of-attorney effective date; Florida health care surrogate designation.
Updated October 26, 2026.