Estate Planning
Protecting your loved ones and securing your family’s future should be a top priority. At Vollrath Law, we understand the importance of comprehensive estate planning and family law representation in Lake Mary, Florida.
Our team of experienced Lake Mary estate planning and family lawyers is dedicated to guiding and supporting you through various legal issues related to estate planning and family law. Whether you need to create a will or trust, establish a guardianship, navigate a complex divorce, or resolve a child custody dispute, we have the knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
Lake Mary is a vibrant city located in Seminole County, Florida. It is a growing community with a population of approximately 16,000 people, according to the 2021 U.S. Census.
The city is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Lake Mary Central Park, and is also home to several highly-rated public schools, making it an attractive destination for families. The homeownership rate in Lake Mary is around 68%, with a median home value of $350,700.
While it’s a great family-friendly city, Lake Mary is also a bustling business community, with several major companies headquartered in the city. This has led to a thriving local economy, with a strong focus on finance, insurance, healthcare, and professional and technical services.
If you live in the Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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.
Are you looking to secure your family’s future and protect your loved ones? At Vollrath Law, we can provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of estate planning and family law.
We understand that these legal matters can be overwhelming and emotional, so we take a compassionate approach to every case. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your family’s future and provide you with peace of mind.
Don’t wait to take control of your family’s future. Contact us at Vollrath Law today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team of Lake Mary estate planning and family law attorneys.
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.
Yes. It is recommended that everyone create an estate plan to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to avoid potential legal disputes among family members.
While it is possible to create an estate plan on your own, it is highly recommended that you consult a lawyer to ensure that your plan is legally valid and effectively meets your goals.
It is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer for any family law issues, as these matters can be emotionally charged and legally complex.
This can include cases involving:
In child custody cases, Florida courts will consider factors such as the child’s best interests, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs, and any history of abuse or neglect when determining child custody.
Yes, it is possible to modify child custody or support agreements if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or relocation. However, these modifications must be approved by a court.
