– Ataraxis
Melbourne, FL Estate Planning Services
Secure Your Family's Future with Ataraxis
Estate planning is a vital step in ensuring your family’s future and the legacy you want to leave behind. At Ataraxis, we understand that estate planning can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can provide peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones. Estate Attorney Michelle Tuschinski and our team are dedicated to helping you protect your assets, plan for the future, and create a lasting legacy.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning involves making decisions about the management and distribution of your assets after your death. It’s not just for the wealthy; everyone can benefit from having a comprehensive estate plan. Creating an estate plan is an act of love. A well-crafted estate plan can help you avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, and ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend. Whether you’re just starting to think about your estate or need to update your existing plans, Ataraxis is here to help.
The Foundation of Your Estate Plan
When most people think of estate planning, they think of wills. A will is a legal document that outlines what should happen to your property after your death. It can be simple or complex, depending on your needs. In Florida, wills must follow specific rules to be valid. Ataraxis will help you create a legally compliant will that meets your objectives.
Who Needs a Will?
- Married individuals with children
- Individuals with children from a previous marriage
- Those who wish to leave assets to non-family members
- Individuals with significant valuable or sentimental items
- Those involved in charity work
- Seniors or those with chronic medical conditions
Consequences of Dying Without a Will
If you die without a will in Florida, your estate will be distributed according to state laws. The rules of intestate succession do not take into account the wishes of the decedent or their relationships with others. Instead, statutes and the courts decide who gets what. If you have minor children, this would mean that the courts will decide who gets to raise them after you are gone. This can lead to disputes among family members and complicate the process for your loved ones. Avoid causing hurt and frustration for your loved ones by creating a will with the help of Ataraxis.
Worried about making costly errors that could impact your family's future?
Contact us today to ensure your estate plan is thorough and accurate with the guidance of Estate Attorney Michelle Tuschinski.
Flexible and Secure Estate Planning
Trusts are another cornerstone of estate planning. They are separate legal entities into which you can place your property. The property in the trust is then managed according to your wishes, often allowing you to avoid probate and reduce estate taxes.
- Revocable Living Trusts: Can be changed or revoked during your lifetime.
- Irrevocable Trusts: Permanent trusts that can offer tax benefits and creditor protection.
- Special Needs Trusts: Provide for a loved one with special needs without disqualifying them from public benefits.
Ataraxis will help you determine which type of trust best suits your needs and goals.
At Ataraxis, we design asset protection strategies tailored to your unique situation.
Secure Your Assets by consulting with our experienced team.
Safeguard Your Wealth
Asset protection involves legal strategies to protect your wealth from future creditors and lawsuits. This is crucial for professionals in high-risk occupations, business owners, and anyone with significant assets.
- Trusts: Various types to suit different needs.
- Business Formation: Creating entities like LLCs to separate personal and business assets.
- Pre and Post-Marital Agreements: Protect assets in the event of a divorce.
Business Formation
Building a Strong Foundation
Starting a new business can be daunting. We provide practical legal advice to ensure your business is set up for success. Different business entities offer various protections and benefits.
Types of Business Entities
- Sole Proprietorships: Simple but offer limited protection.
- Corporations: Separate legal entities that provide personal liability protection.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): Combine benefits of corporations and partnerships.
- Partnerships: Various forms including general and limited partnerships.
Forming a business can help protect your assets, provide tax benefits, and create legitimacy when entering into contracts or engaging in negotiations.
Special Needs Planning
Caring for Loved Ones with Special Needs
Planning for a loved one with special needs requires careful consideration to ensure they receive the care and benefits they need. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are commonly used to manage assets for someone with special needs without affecting their eligibility for government assistance.
Ataraxis helps families create SNTs and navigate the complexities of special needs planning to secure a stable future for their loved ones.
Pre and Post-Marital Agreements
Protecting Your Assets in Marriage
Pre and post-marital agreements are legal tools used to protect your assets in the event of a divorce. These agreements can specify how property and assets will be divided, and address spousal support and other financial matters.
Importance of Marital Agreements
- Premarital Agreements: Created before marriage to outline financial arrangements.
- Post-Marital Agreements: Similar to premarital but created after marriage.
At Ataraxis, we handle sensitive matters for Melbourne residents with the utmost care and professionalism.
Healthcare Directives
Making Your Wishes Known
Healthcare directives, including living wills and healthcare powers of attorney, allow you to specify your healthcare preferences and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Types of Healthcare Directives
- Advance Directives (Living Will): Specify types of medical care you wish to receive.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Designate an agent to make medical decisions for you.
We can help you create these important documents to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected.