Estate Planning
Ensuring the future of your family requires proactive planning and taking steps to safeguard your loved ones. This is where our team of experienced Longwood estate planning and family lawyers at Vollrath Law can assist you.
We provide a comprehensive range of legal services to help you navigate the complex legal landscape of estate planning and family law matters. Our knowledgeable and skilled legal professionals can help you create wills, trusts, and other essential legal documents to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out.
At Vollrath Law, we are committed to providing the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Longwood, FL is home to a diverse community of over 15,000 residents, with a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods. With its small-town feel, the city is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It is also recognized for its excellent schools and high quality of life, with a strong local economy and low crime rates.
According to the 2021 U.S. Census, the median age of residents in Longwood is 42 years old, and the median household income is $75,844. The homeownership rate is approximately 69%, which is higher than the national average. This means that many families in the area may have a significant portion of their assets tied up in real estate.
The economy in Longwood is diverse, with a mix of industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and technology. The area’s healthcare industry is particularly prominent in the city, with several hospitals and medical centers located within the city limits. Other top employers include financial services companies, technology firms, and retailers.
If you live in the Longwood area, planning for the future is essential to preserving and protecting your assets. Whether you’re facing upcoming family law matters or need to employ estate planning strategies to ensure your loved ones will be safe and protected when you’re gone, Vollrath Law can help secure your family’s future.
One of the key benefits of working with the Longwood estate planning and family lawyers at Vollrath Law is our experience. We have a deep understanding of Florida’s estate planning and family law statutes, as well as the court system. This means we can provide knowledgeable and effective legal representation in estate planning and family law matters, despite your complex case.
Whether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or need assistance with probate or guardianship, the Longwood estate planning lawyers can help. We offer legal services in various estate planning and related practice areas.
Regarding estate planning strategies, having wills and trusts is usually at the top of everyone’s list of needs.
A will is a legal document that expresses your wishes for a number of different areas, including:
A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for after you pass away. Your estate may be subject to complicated and expensive legal proceedings without a will.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person (called the “trustee”) holds and manages assets for the benefit of another person or group of people (called the “beneficiaries”). The assets in a trust can include property, investments, and other types of assets.
Having a trust as part of your estate planning strategy offers benefits, such as:
Trusts can also provide ongoing management of assets for beneficiaries, including minors and individuals with disabilities.
There are different types of trusts, each with advantages and disadvantages depending on the trust creator’s and beneficiaries’ specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine which type of trust is appropriate for your individual needs and goals.
Probate is a legal process that commences after a person has died (the decedent). These court proceedings aim to distribute the decedent’s assets to their heirs and settle their debts.
The probate process involves:
In Florida, probate proceedings are typically handled by the circuit court in the county where the deceased person lived. The court will appoint a personal representative (an executor) to manage the probate process and distribute the assets.
Probate can be a lengthy and complex process. However, in some cases, probate may be necessary to ensure that the estate’s assets are properly distributed according to the decedent’s wishes and to protect the rights of heirs. It’s best to employ the services of an experienced probate lawyer to guide you through the process.
Guardianship is a legal arrangement made by the court that allows a person (called a “guardian”) to make decisions for another person who is unable to make decisions for themselves (called a “ward”).
Guardianship can be part of estate planning when a person wants to ensure the right person is appointed to make decisions for them if they become incapacitated due to illness or injury.
In Florida, there are two types of guardianship: guardianship of the person and guardianship of the property.
Guardianship of the person involves making decisions about the ward’s health care, living arrangements, and other personal matters. Guardianship of the property involves managing the ward’s financial affairs.
It is important to note that guardianship can be complex and expensive and is not always the best solution for every situation. Other estate planning tools, such as powers of attorney and living trusts, may be more appropriate for some individuals. It is recommended to consult with an experienced guardianship lawyer to determine the best approach for your individual needs and goals.
In addition to estate planning, the Longwood lawyers at Vollrath Law can also provide assistance with family law matters. We can help you navigate the complexities of these legal issues and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
A Florida divorce lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the divorce process, including advice on property division, child custody, and support. We can also negotiate with the other party’s lawyer, prepare legal documents, and represent you in court to protect your rights and interests.
In custody cases, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities regarding custody and visitation. We can represent you in negotiations or court proceedings to establish a custody arrangement in the child’s best interests.
In support cases, a child support lawyer can guide you through the state’s child support guidelines and ensure you’re paying or receiving the appropriate amount of support. We can also represent you in negotiations or court proceedings to modify child support orders when necessary.
Alimony, or spousal support, is the financial support that one spouse may be required to pay the other spouse after a divorce.
The role of an alimony lawyer is to provide legal guidance and representation to clients seeking alimony or being asked to pay alimony. We can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities regarding alimony, as well as the factors that the court considers when determining the amount and duration of alimony payments.
Prenuptial agreements are legal documents that outline how a couple’s assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. A prenuptial agreement lawyer can help you draft an agreement tailored to your needs and goals. We’ll ensure the agreement complies with state laws and is fair and equitable to both parties.
A post-divorce modifications lawyer helps modify court orders related to divorce, such as child custody, child support, and spousal support.
There are several reasons why you may need a post-divorce modifications lawyer, including:
Overall, a post-divorce modifications lawyer can provide legal guidance and representation to help you modify court orders related to divorce that reflect your current circumstances and protect your rights and interests.
At Vollrath Law, we understand that planning for the future of your family is of utmost importance. That’s why we have a team of experienced Longwood estate planning and family lawyers ready to assist you.
Whether you need help with estate planning, wills, trusts, or any other legal matter related to your family’s future, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you. We can also help with family law issues, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in protecting your family’s future. We’ll work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
Had the opportunity to utilize this office for estate planning: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, and Living Will. We had the pleasure of working with Brian Buck and Melora Vandersluis Esq. The process was very smooth and we utilized a secure portal to review documents and to prepare for questions …
Our experience with Vollrath Law was excellent. We had an initial phone consultation for our will and potential trust, then worked with one of the associates by email until we scheduled our signing appointment. Everyone in the office is friendly and professional and answered all of our questions/ concerns …
Sharon, Stephanie and Amanda are the dream team with title closings for my customers and for me personally. Highly recommend for stress free, efficient and fast mortgage closings for new purchases and refinances in the state of Florida.
We can’t wait to help you tackle your legal challenges and achieve your goals! Our first step is to chat with you and really get to know your unique situation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and create a customized legal strategy that meets your needs and goals.
With our strategy in place, we’ll work with you to bring your legal matter to a successful resolution. No matter what legal challenge your family is facing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We understand that legal paperwork can be overwhelming, but we’ll make it easy and stress-free for you. We’ll help you prepare and file any necessary documents, ensuring that everything is accurate and up-to-date.
In some cases, negotiations and mediation can help resolve legal matters without going to court. We’ll work with you to find common ground and reach a resolution that meets your needs and goals.
Our final step is to help you achieve success and move forward with confidence. Whether it’s a finalized estate plan that provides peace of mind, or a successful divorce settlement that protects your interests, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and thrive in the future.
Estate planning can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are provided for after you pass away. It can also help minimize taxes and expenses, avoid probate, and provide for the care of minor children or disabled family members.
Yes, you can make changes to your estate plan at any time. It’s important to review and update your plan regularly, especially if you experience a major life change such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a family member.
There are several ways to protect your assets from creditors, including creating a trust, transferring assets to a spouse or family member, or using legal exemptions such as homestead protection. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the best strategy for your individual situation.
The time it takes to finalize a divorce in Florida can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the issues involved and the willingness of both parties to reach a settlement. In general, an uncontested divorce with no children or property can be finalized in as little as 30 days, while a contested divorce with numerous issues to be resolved may take several months or even years.
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps parties involved in a dispute to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It can be a useful tool in family law matters as it can often help parties avoid the expense and emotional toll of going to court. It is particularly helpful in cases where the parties are willing to work together to find a solution.
