When you’re buying or selling residential or commercial property, the process can sometimes seem complex, stressful, frustrating, and even overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Instead, when you work with a dynamic real estate attorney in Daytona Beach, you get the peace of mind that your real estate transaction is being guided by trusted and reputable professionals who have your best interests in mind.

In addition, there many other benefits of working with a qualified real estate attorney. That includes assistance in:

• compiling documents
• reviewing sales transactions
• investigating deals
• litigation engagement (if applicable)
• dealing with foreclosure matters

Read on to discover other major advantages of partnering with an honest and reliable Daytona Beach real estate attorney.

Attorneys Differ from Real Estate Agents

While some real estate lawyers might perform functions similar to REALTORs® (and others could be real estate agents as a separate profession), it’s important to note the distinction between the two roles.

Typically, REALTORs® aren’t qualified to answer legal questions surrounding your real estate transaction. Instead, their input and advice are largely based on specifics of the property itself (square footage, amenities).

By contrast, when you work with a dependable real estate attorney, you benefit from a “best of both worlds” scenario. You’ll learn specifics about the property you’re considering purchasing (and/or logistical information about selling) while gaining a better understanding about the legal matters of the transaction.

Real Estate Lawyers Offer Versatile Support

In addition, real estate attorneys provide valuable insight and information that you might not otherwise glean by working solely with a REALTOR®. For example, buyers benefit from this professional connection in many ways, particularly if the real estate transaction is a short-sale (or bank-owned), part of an estate sale, in a flood zone, and similar. This option also works well for out-of-area buyers.

Working with a real estate attorney is also a good idea for sellers, especially if there are structural or other property issues that need to be addressed. This partnership is also beneficial when an uncooperative partner is involved, when there’s a lien on the property, or when the property is owned by a now deceased party. Our office specializes in probate in Ormond Beach and throughout Central Florida.

It’s also important to note that some states actually require the involvement of a real estate lawyer during the closing process.

You Can Eliminate Confusion and Oversight

Buying and/or selling property can often seem like a cumbersome endeavor. The process is straight-forward and manageable when you work with a responsible real estate attorney.

This professional will carefully examine and review any title documentation. That ensures that no issues might arise that could negatively affect the smooth transfer of property. If any problems are detected, your real estate lawyer will immediately work to address and resolve them.

Best of all, working with a stand-out real estate attorney is affordable and efficient. For example, our office features an on-site title agency. That means you won’t have to drive all over town to meet with people in various offices that you don’t know and may not trust.

Comprehensive Assistance is Available

Instead, you get the peace of mind of working with an ambitious firm that keeps a focus on your best interests. In fact, for nearly 40 years, we’ve provided legal assistance to people across Central Florida in a variety of concentrations. In addition to real estate law, we also specialize in guardianship, and have built a solid reputation as a premier estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach. Contact us today with all your questions surrounding your real estate law needs.

Many Central Florida families today enjoy “non-traditional” living situations. As multi-generational housing and increased involvement from loved ones are on the rise, some children grow up with positive exposure to extended family members.

Sometimes, the continued well-being of children depends on guardianship from a non-parent. This includes the death of both parents, incarceration, incapacitation, and other scenarios. Thankfully, there are methods by which you can be granted custody of minor children, even if you’re not the biological parent. Here’s what you need to know about the process:

Understand the Basics

There are two main ways to be granted custody of a non-biological child. Depending on the state where you reside, you could file a request for guardianship or non-parent custody. It’s important to realize that the minor child’s biological parents can still be alive and grant “consent guardianship.” This is done in writing, and is a legally binding process.

Typically, these third-party individuals have a close personal relationship with the minor. That includes aunts/uncles, grandparents, and older siblings. It’s not uncommon for godparents, family friends, or trusted neighbors to take on this role.

Judges often grant non-parent custody of children based on detailed criteria. That includes a determination that the biological parents are unfit to care for minor children, that living with biological parents is not in the best interest of the minor, or that the biological parents are unable or unfit to perform parental duties, due to death, desertion, and other scenarios previously discussed.

Still, to avoid confusion and unpleasant outcomes, it’s wise to consult with an attorney well-versed in Volusia County guardianship. This way, you’ll be legally protected while providing the very best care and attention for the child or children under your care.

Discover Emergency Guardianship

Often referred to as “emergency custody,” this decision is made for a variety of time-sensitive reasons. For example, a judge may rule that the minor child is in immediate danger if he or she remains in their current living situation. Or, there could be a fear of potential child abandonment. There are also many other reasons this decision might be made.

Emergency custody is typically granted to only a few select individuals. That includes law enforcement personnel or court-appointed individuals. If you have concerns that your child could end up in this situation, it’s important to discuss choices and opportunities with a qualified Daytona Beach wills lawyer.

Explore All Options

When it comes to the long-term guardianship of minor children, each situation is different and must be approached based on the facts of the case. This can present a confusing and even overwhelming situation. But it doesn’t have to be. When you partner with an estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach who is also adept with guardianship issues, you get the valuable peace of mind that steps can be put into action to ensure minor children are protected.

For more than 40 years, we’ve helped people across Central Florida with a variety of legal needs. In addition to guardianship, we also specialize in estate planning and real estate law. We’re well known as a reputable resource for probate in Volusia County. Contact us today with all your legal questions surrounding guardianship.

Through the years, there has been much confusion and misinformation surrounding power of attorney and what it entails. It’s important to get the facts on this option before deciding whether it could be right for you.

At the core, a power of attorney is a signed and legally-binding document that grants another person the ‘power’ to make decisions for another. That stated, the authority granted to the individual is limited to your express written wishes. Read on to discover more details about power of attorney and how it could be a viable addition to your estate planning documentation.

Understand the Basics

Power of attorney is well-established and is accepted and trusted by a variety of financial institutions, private businesses, and legal entities. People appreciate this document for it’s straight-forward nature and easily-understandable terms.

When you sign a power of attorney, the person or people you’ve assigned as agents are now able to take action on your behalf. It’s important to realize that you can revoke this privilege at any time that you’re legally entitled to do so.

Still, some financial institutions won’t acknowledge the power of attorney that isn’t recent. That could be anywhere from six months to 60 days. Other outlets require you to fill out their own forms before accepting validity. To avoid confusion, frustration, and delay, it’s wise to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach who can provide valuable assistance through this process.

Know the Myths

As mentioned, over the years there has been much misinformation and outright lies about power of attorney.

For example, some people believe that technology has advanced to such a level that all legal documents can be created online, even without any knowledge or expertise. In fact, teaming with a trusted and reputable Daytona Beach wills lawyer helps ensure your final wishes are carried out to your exact specifications.

Others think that age or lack of assets are barriers to creating a power of attorney. The reality is that no one can know when a catastrophic event might occur. Legal documentation (such as power of attorney) makes clear the persons you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf.

Another myth that’s been accepted as fact is that when you grant power of attorney to someone, they have carte blanche to do whatever they feel like with your assets and estate. Nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, the person you choose (your agent) is legally-bound to follow your detailed instructions. Avoid falling for rumors by consulting with a reliable wills attorney in Daytona Beach who can help you establish a comprehensive estate plan to protect you and your family.

Secure Dependable Representation

As hearsay and false stories about power of attorney continue to flourish, it’s more important than ever to work with a responsible professional who can provide accurate and timely information and answers to all your estate planning questions and concerns.

For more than 40 years, we’ve assisted people just like you with a variety of legal needs. In addition to estate planning, we specialize in guardianship issues and real estate law. We’re also known as a resource for probate in Holly Hill and throughout the region. Contact us today to get started on a power of attorney of your own.  

More people today are realizing the power of establishing a comprehensive estate plan. No longer viewed as a cumbersome or even morbid task, people across Central Florida see how estate planning eliminates confusion, protects assets, and benefits loved ones.

As you move forward in the process, it’s important to choose a personal representative you can trust. You want and need someone who will be able and willing to carry out your final wishes according to the spirit in which they were intended. Accomplishing that goal isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are ways to make the decision easier. Here’s how to get started:

Foster Meaningful Discussions

While it’s understandable that your loved ones may not wish to face mortality issues on a daily basis, having frank and early conversations surrounding your end-of-life desires is essential to ensuring everyone is on the same page and fully on-board with the responsibilities they’ll be expected to carry out. Unpleasant surprises can quickly create awkward and uncomfortable situations.

If you’re having trouble deciding just how to begin the process, it’s helpful to know that a skilled and qualified estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach can provide expert advice and guidance in this regard. In addition, this professional can ensure your plans are thorough and legally binding.

Look for Strong Qualities

Some people choose a personal representative based on who they’ve known the longest. Others assume that the oldest child will naturally step in to take control upon the death or incapacitation of a relative. That’s not always the case. In fact, some people are hesitant and even terrified at the prospect of being named a personal representative. That’s why it’s best to seek out certain virtues you want in the individual tasked with managing your estate. 

For example, an ideal representative is one who is trustworthy, ethical, dependable/responsible, and organized. Other notable qualities include integrity, impartiality, availability, financial responsibility, and at least some basic knowledge of tax and financial matters. Essentially, you need someone who will take seriously this role and carry out their duties in an expeditious and systematic manner.

To assist your personal representative in his or her duties, it’s imperative that you draft and keep an updated a comprehensive will. The process is simple and straight-forward when you partner with a dynamic wills attorney in Daytona Beach.

Know Your Goals

Contrary to popular belief, effective estate planning is not an endeavor reserved for the very rich. Instead, everyone benefits from creating clear and easily-understandable end-of-life instructions and provisions. Whether you have vast assets or just a few meaningful possessions, it’s wise to take a serious and all-inclusive approach to this important safeguard.

Meeting that goal starts by teaming with a Daytona Beach wills lawyer with a solid track record of success, and a sound reputation in the community. You’ll get adept support in navigating and satisfying the sometimes-complex questions that might arise during the estate planning process. That includes the geographic location of your chosen personal representative, critical qualities, and other important considerations.

Enlist Assistance

Just as your estate is unique, you deserve an advocate who understands your specific desires and requirements and can help you formulate an estate plan that addresses those goals. Your life is not cookie-cutter, so why should you work with an attorney who offers generic ideas and outcomes? Instead, you need and expect a legal professional with the proficiency and expertise to help you fashion and navigate even the most complex estate plan.  

For more than 40 years, our law firm has assisted countless Central Florida residents with a variety of legal needs. In addition to estate planning, we specialize in guardianship issues. We’re also proud to be recognized as a premier Daytona Beach real estate attorney. Contact us to learn more about how you can choose the best estate executor, and begin or update your estate plan today.

The prospect of purchasing property in Florida is an exciting one. Whether you’re poised to acquire residential, commercial, investment, or other property, you know the value of owning lucrative real estate in the Sunshine State.

Still, there are several factors to weigh and ideas to consider. That’s why it’s wise to partner with a trusted and dependable real estate attorney in Daytona Beach who can help you navigate this sometimes-complex undertaking. Here’s how to get started:

1) Understand the Process

You may already be aware of at least some of the steps in most real estate transactions. That includes:

• disclosures, inspections, and titles
• mortgaging (if applicable)
• closing procedure

What might not be as top of mind is the fine intricacies and attention-to-detail that goes into any deal. Many people have discovered this reality the hard way. The good news is that you can avoid unpleasant surprises and prevent placing undue stress on yourself and loved ones by working closely with a Daytona Beach real estate attorney well-versed with the current state of Central Florida real estate.

2) Maximize Commercial Property Buying Power

There’s a good reason why Florida continues to be an attractive market for commercial real estate building and development. As an investment, landlords know that rental property prices here are reasonable. In addition, opportunities for future development on and around the commercial site are often favorable.

Still, there are some downsides to buying in the Sunshine State. As with all real estate, location is essential to ensure long-term business success. Depending on unique factors, you may also encounter difficulty securing a loan. Each experience is unique, just as each property has its own upsides and opportunities for improvement.

When you work with a stand-out real estate attorney in Daytona Beach, you’ll benefit from expert assistance. In addition, you can be sure your most pressing questions are answered. That includes concerns surrounding:

1. type of property and intended use
2. location
3. purchase or lease potential
4. financial considerations and partnership possibilities
5. management of daily operations

You’ll also have your own specific ideas to address.

3) Take a Critical Approach to Residential Buying

As mentioned, when considering the purchase of a home in Florida, emotions often run high. You might already be picturing yourself basking in the sun, inviting friends and relatives to visit, and simply making the most of life in the Sunshine State. Before the good times start to roll, however, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

Essential factors to consider include the current state of the real estate market, location-specific insurance requirements, type of community, associated costs/fees, and more. If this sounds complicated or overwhelming, it’s nice to know that a dependable Daytona Beach real estate attorney is available to answer questions and provide valuable support toward achieving your residential real estate goals.

4) Partner with an Established Expert  

Particularly if you’re out of the area (different U.S. state or even another country), effectively accomplishing commercial or residential real estate ambitions can seem downright frustrating and unnecessarily cumbersome. It doesn’t have to be that way. When you team with a dependable Central Florida real estate attorney, you gain the peace of mind that your transaction will move forward as smoothly as possible.

For more than four decades, we’ve assisted countless people just like you with a variety of legal needs. In addition to real estate law, our firm specializes in probate in Volusia County, guardianship, and more. Through the years, we’ve also become well known and respected as a dynamic wills attorney in Daytona Beach. Contact us today with all your real estate law questions, and/or to get started on your specific case.

As a responsible and driven Central Florida resident, it makes sense that you want to do right by your loved ones. You’re focused on providing a sound future for your family after your passing. However, if your plans aren’t well-documented, there’s a good chance things won’t go according to your final wishes. That’s what makes thorough estate planning so essential.

Over the years, many rumors and outright lies have been spread about estate planning. No one’s really sure where this misinformation cropped up, or why it’s been able to survive and thrive. Now that a new year has begun, it’s a great time to clear up misconceptions and get the facts about how to plan out your future and safeguard your family. Here are some of the most prevalent myths about estate planning:

1) You Don’t Need an Estate Plan

Some people avoid estate planning for thoughts of being “too young,” “too old,” or any number of other reasons. The fact is, everyone benefits from a detailed estate plan. Whether you’re married, divorced, or single, considerations must still be made surrounding your final wishes.

Estate planning also addresses scenarios you may not have previously considered. For instance, what if the person you thought could handle your affairs passes away before you? What if your final wishes are vague or open to interpretation? What if your documents are incorrect or out of date? When you partner with a skilled and qualified estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach, you get the peace of mind that all bases have been sufficiently covered.

2) You Don’t Have Enough “Stuff” for an Estate Plan

Contrary to popular belief, effective and comprehensive estate planning goes far beyond merely doling out assets (both tangible and financial). There’s no income or possession requirement to start and maintain an estate plan.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what you own or how much money you have in the bank. You want the knowledge and deserve the comfort of knowing that your assets will be gifted to the exact people you choose.

An essential part of estate planning is drafting a will and keeping it up to date. That’s not always easy, especially as life moves fast, and your time and attention are often called to other things. Partnering with a dependable wills attorney in Daytona Beach helps ensure your final wishes are always straight-forward and well-documented.

3) Your Relatives Can Sort It All Out

Having a solid trust bond with family members and loved ones is admirable. Still, not everyone will be willing or able to carry out your end of life plans and goals exactly according to your wishes. In many cases, your loved ones will be so distraught they may be incapable of immediate clear thought and action. Establishing thorough documentation as part of your estate plan helps everyone stay on the same page.

In addition, open communication in this process is key. Especially when minor children are involved, it’s paramount to ensure that no relative will be uncomfortably surprised with obligations they may be unable to fulfill. Speaking with a reliable professional well-versed with Volusia County guardianship will help you avoid putting kids in a confusing and stressful situation.

4) Estate Planning is a Solo Endeavor

In an era of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, it’s important to understand that not everything can be accurately and completely created on your own. For many people, the thought of estate planning is a nerve-wracking and even overwhelming venture. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s nice to know that expert assistance and advocacy is available.

Over the course of the past 40 years, our firm has built a solid reputation as a trusted and dependable resource for estate planning. We’re well known as the go-to outlet to resolve issues concerning probate in Holly Hill and throughout the greater Daytona Beach area and beyond. In addition, we specialize in real estate law and guardianship. Contact us today to get started on a personalized estate plan to protect you and your family.

As people are living longer and leading healthier lives, many have put off estate planning. The thought is that the task can be saved for another time, “when needed.” However, securing a comprehensive estate plan now helps you and your family accurately navigate the future. Further, such plans are best started in the absence of crisis or concern.

Thankfully, there’s no need to face the sometimes-confusing process of estate planning on your own. Instead, when you partner with a skilled and qualified attorney, you get the peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected no matter what might occur. Get started on your estate plan with these suggestions:

Understand Estate Planning Basics

There’s often confusion about the word “estate” in this term. Some people think the process is reserved for only the very rich, or those with complex assets. In fact, everyone can and should have a comprehensive estate plan. That means no matter your current situation, you can get started today on building a solid framework for the future.

Fundamental estate planning items include your:

• home and other real estate property
• vehicles (including RVs)
• business assets and profits
• retirement accounts, pensions, social security benefits, and insurance policies
• military benefits (if applicable)

You should also gather important documents and passcodes for assets such as bank accounts and investment funds, bills and creditor information, details about utilities, and more. Start the process by partnering with a reliable attorney well-versed with probate in Holly Hill.

Draft a Detailed Will

Contemplating a future where you’re not able to personally provide for your loved ones sets a difficult and often uncomfortable scene. Still, just imagine what life would be like for your family if you leave everything up to chance. The staggering fact is that more than half of all Americans don’t have any type of will.

Avoid joining their ranks by creating a personalized will that details how your assets should be allocated upon your passing. If you have minor children, here’s where you can name a responsible guardian. You’ll also choose an executor of your estate. In addition, this is where you can choose a power of attorney who can act on your behalf should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make legal decisions on your own.

This might all seem cumbersome and even overwhelming. It’s nice to know, then, that expert assistance is available. Start the process by partnering with a trusted and reputable Daytona Beach wills lawyer who can help you create documentation that will protect your property and loved ones.

Perform Regular Updates

Did you become a parent recently? Perhaps an adult child has made you a grandparent. Or, a close loved one may have passed away. Maybe you got a new job, recently retired, or your financial situation has changed. All of these scenarios and more require updates to your estate plan.

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to touch base with your probate attorney in Daytona every few years. Of course, this contact should be made immediately in the case of the mentioned life changes, or any other situation that warrants updates to your estate plan. A dependable legal advocate can also provide valuable insight into current estate planning trends and items to keep an eye on.

Include Your Unique Requirements

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter estate plan. By design, each strategy is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and considerations. That means you’ll end up with an approach that keeps in mind the best interests of you and your family. In order to accomplish that goal, however, you need a dynamic attorney who has the skills and expertise to help you fashion an impactful estate plan.

For more than 40 years, our firm has assisted countless Central Florida residents with a variety of legal needs. That includes estate planning and real estate law. In addition, we’ve built a solid reputation as the premier source of information advocacy for guardianship in Volusia County. Contact us today with any questions, and to get started on a comprehensive estate plan of your own.

No one wants to consider the unthinkable. Still, you desire the best for your children and minor dependents. Should something happen to you, what would their future look like? Without comprehensive estate planning (including guardianship), they could grow up in an atmosphere counter to your best intentions.

Thankfully, there are simple and straight-forward methods to avoid that scenario from occurring. When you work with a trusted and reputable attorney well-versed with Volusia County guardianship, you get the peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected no matter what might happen. Here’s how to get started:

Consider Values, Beliefs, and Personality

Ideally, your guardian will provide a seamless transition in the life of your minor children if you and/or a spouse passes unexpectedly. Stability is essential for kids. Psychologists contend early years in the lives of youth are especially important to ensure a productive and content adulthood.

For these reasons, it’s paramount that you consider the character of your intended guardian. For example, perhaps you want minor children to be raised in a specific faith, political, or philosophical tradition. Maybe you have certain educational considerations in mind for their future. You should also take into account the health and mental state of your guardian prospect. Other crucial questions to answer include:

1. Is my chosen guardian reputable, honest, of high integrity, and timely in meeting obligations?
2. Has my potential guardian been convicted of a crime or accused of moral wrong-doing? Does this affect my decision?
3. Is this person of sound mental health and free from substance addiction?
4. Will my chosen guardian meticulously respect and honor my decisions?
5. What is the current relationship between my intended guardian and my minor children? Would this be a good match?
6. What about their current family situation? Do they have the means (financial and otherwise) to fulfill guardianship duties according to my requirements and specifications?
7. Would my choice even consider fulfilling guardianship duties?

Planning for the future and determining the aftermath of tragedy can be stressful, highly-emotional, and even overwhelming. That’s why you need a skilled and qualified advocate who can help you navigate this integral process. Reach out to a trustworthy Daytona Beach wills lawyer to begin the process today.

Solicit Input from Essential Loved Ones

If you’re the sole parent of a minor child, making guardianship decisions will likely fall squarely on your shoulders. However, if you’re married (or have an ex-spouse), there may be legal obligations to fulfill in selecting a reliable person to fill this role. Along with the above-mentioned questions, here’s a good moment to ponder other considerations, such as:

1. Will my potential guardian be both willing and able to raise my minor children into adulthood? Can they provide moral support and guidance to young adults?
2. Does this person live near my current location? If not, how would relocation affect my minor children (new school, new friends)?
3. Your specific questions.

In addition, your spouse may have very different ideas and viewpoints that you hadn’t previously considered. For instance, they may have a certain family member or mentor in mind to care for your minor children in the event of untimely death. The decision could get further complicated if/when you share differing faith, political, and moral backgrounds and convictions.

Remember that a dynamic attorney expert at guardianship issues can provide assistance and advocacy in arriving at a decision that satisfies the interests of all parties, and accurately protects and provides for minor children.

Cover All Bases

Often, people only look to very close relatives or those within a certain proximity to their current locations. While the long-term stability of your minor children is top of mind, it’s important to consider all avenues when approaching vital details surrounding guardianship.

Thankfully, this process doesn’t have to a solo endeavor. Instead, it’s best to partner with a dependable attorney expert at probate in Daytona Beach and throughout Central Florida.

For over 40 years, we’ve been the premier resource for a variety of legal needs. That includes guardianship and estate planning. In addition, we’ve built a solid reputation as a stand-out Daytona Beach real estate attorney. Contact us today with all your questions, and to get started on the important process of choosing a responsible guardian for your minor children. 

Even in a strong economy, starting and maintaining a successful business is a daunting endeavor. There are many things that could go wrong along the way. Plus, simply attracting and retaining a loyal customer base is no easy feat. In fact, 20 percent of all small businesses fail within the first year, according to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than half of these outlets permanently close their doors within five years. Those are staggering figures.

Still, there are ways you can set yourself up for business success. One of those is by working with a dynamic firm well-versed with real estate law. Here, you’ll lay the groundwork for what could easily become a prosperous venture. Learn more with this advice:

Avoid and Resolve Unexpected Legal Issues

As you’re focused on the growth and prosperity of your business, it can be difficult to see or accept the various legal threats present. From personnel complications, to supply troubles, workplace accidents, on-site disasters (including fire), and similar, building and maintaining a successful small business isn’t easy.

However, when you reach out to a reliable Daytona Beach real estate attorney, you get the peace of mind that your real estate transactions will be free from complication and negative surprises. This highly-skilled and qualified professional will also offer valuable insight and advice at important meetings throughout the business lease or purchase process.

Set Yourself Up for Success

As you launch or begin the early days of your business, your attorney is a dependable resource for a wide variety of information.

Your attorney can also help you determine the answers to integral questions surrounding what type of business entity you should choose, name and logo selection, how to minimize risk, what contracts you might need, and much more.

Purchase or Lease of Property

In addition, the timeless REALTOR® refrain of “location, location, location” still rings true, especially for businesses. If clients and customers aren’t aware of your company (or can’t easily get to it), they’ll simply move on to another area. A responsible real estate attorney in Daytona Beach can help you secure the safe and accessible location you’ve found.

While this advocate is not a real estate professional, you’ll receive impactful assistance in a variety of real estate law-related items and inquiries, such as:

• reviewing purchase agreements
• inspecting mortgage, title, and transfer documents
• real estate closing concerns

In fact, our firm has a real estate title agency in-house. Separate from the law firm, this service provides you with the convenience of working with the same competent professionals you’ve come to trust throughout your real estate transaction. That’s peace of mind you won’t get just anywhere. 

Ongoing Advocacy

Some outlets give little regard to clients. Others claim to be a “firm of all trades,” but simply don’t have the experience to handle sometimes-complex real estate transactions. You need and deserve a Daytona Beach lawyer who both cares and is highly knowledgeable about the subject matter.

We value and respect each and every person with whom we’ve had the pleasure of working through the years. That stated, it’s important to reach out as soon as possible in your real estate search to avoid potential complications and confusion. This way, we can offer maximum advice and assistance.

For over four decades, we’ve been the go-to resource for a variety of legal needs. People across Central Florida know and respect us for our outstanding representation in real estate law and estate planning. In addition, we’ve quickly become a leader for all things surrounding Volusia County guardianship. Contact us today to get started on the lease or purchase of your business property. 

Estate planning is a very sensitive matter to talk about. Inherent to discussions of estate planning is the idea that a loved one is going to pass away at some point; we are mortal creatures, and we will eventually meet our demise. However, just because a subject is uncomfortable or hard to fathom doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Talking to your family about your estate plan is essential to making the best and safest choices for everyone around. In the end, it is important to breach these topics, as your relationships are ultimately more important than your assets or finances. 

Here are some points or questions that you will want to have with your family when discussing your legacy. An estate planning attorney in Daytona Beach will also be able to help you identify further specifics to these points.

What are our primary family values?
It is important to start your family discussion about estate planning within the broader context of what you and your family value most. Though estate planning and probate in Daytona Beach are all procedural, the matter at hand is very sensitive, deals with an abundance of emotions, and heavily weighs in people’s values. Despite the distribution of assets or finances being the most significant tangible concern, your values are often what dictates how that distribution looks. For example, if your family highly values post-secondary education, and you want to ensure your children participate, you might establish a trust that can only be used for funding them at college.

What assets do I have?
It is very important to know exactly what your assets are, and what you can do with them. To be sure of your assets and your potentialities for distribution, you should speak with a wills and real estate attorney in Daytona Beach. After this, you can discuss with your family your assets.

How do I want my assets divided among my beneficiaries?
Who gets what? This is perhaps the main concern your family members will have beyond your passing away. This can be a very sensitive issue to many—things often cannot be distributed perfectly equally, nor do you necessarily want to divide things equally. However, even if uncomfortable, it is important to have this discussion to give your family members a transparent idea of how exactly they will be protected or cared for.

What happens in the case of simultaneous death, where I and my spouse both pass?
When you pass away, your spouse will often become the sole guardian of your children. However, though a frightening and unlikely thought, there is a possibility that both you and your spouse will pass away in a simultaneous death, like a car crash. If this happens, you and your spouse will want to have established guardianship criteria to ensure the well-being and protection of your children. This includes deciding custody, and therefore a discussion of who will raise the kids. Being open with your family about this discussion, and perhaps even allowing your children to input, will help push towards a decision that makes everyone as comfortable as possible.

Who should help draft my will?

Another important discussion to have with your family is who you want to legally assist you in your estate planning, real estate, and guardianship. For over 40 years, we have worked with people to plan for their legal needs in life after passing. If you are looking for a Daytona Beach wills lawyer, reach out to us today so we can set into motion the best plan for you and your family.