Making an estate plan in Florida and elsewhere includes the task of choosing a number of agents and surrogates who are called upon to make decisions and take action on one's behalf when incapacitated or after death. The persons appointed within the potential scope of estate planning can include an agent under a power of attorney or a health care power, trustees, executors, beneficiaries under various accounts, legal instruments and insurance policies, in addition to other surrogates. One problem that arises is the appointment of persons simply because they are family members.
Estate planning myths are easily deflated by getting the facts
Estate planning is an important task for most Florida residents, although many of them do not get around to starting or completing that task. The process is designed to protect one's assets while alive, provide for financial survival if one becomes incapacitated, and to distribute assets to the desired loved ones and/or organizations upon death. Other benefits of estate planning include health care proxies and powers that make it easier for one's health care to be directed by a loved one and for instructions to medical providers.
