Stuart Estate Planning Attorney

Planning for the Future

Estate planning gives people the opportunity to care for those they love and plan for possessions they treasure after they are gone. Without a will, trust, or other type of estate plan, you will have no say in what happens to your possessions and assets, and you will have no power to determine who receives your property. Though it may seem daunting to plan your estate, a Stuart attorney can work with you to protect the people you love and ensure that your wishes will be honored.

At Crary Buchanan, we serve our clients in various areas of estate planning law:

Hire a Certified Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of Florida's laws, you want to be confident that your estate planning documents will stand up before the probate courts. A qualified and experienced attorney can work with you to create a plan that is legally sound. Learn more about hiring a certified attorney.

FAQ - Estate Planning
Estate planning can be complex, and it is important to understand what options are available. It is very common for individuals planning for their futures or those who have been named as executors or trustees to have many questions about the process. Learn more about FAQ - Estate Planning.

How Do I Contest a Will or Trust?
If you are questioning the validity of a loved one's will or trust, you may be able to have it overturned in probate court. A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine if a will or trust can be contested under Florida's laws. Learn more about how you can contest a will or trust.

Named as an Executor or Trustee
Responsibilities differ for executors and trustees, and individuals named to these positions will have many legal duties to carry out in order to honor the wishes of a deceased loved one. It is important to understand what will be required of you if you accept the position of a trustee or executor. Learn more about being named as an executor or trustee.

Contested Trusts
If you believe that a trust was written improperly or that the deceased person was unable to understand what they were doing or they were forced to distribute their property in a certain way, you can challenge the validity of the trust in probate court. Learn more about contested trusts.

Contested Guardianships
Guardianship can be contested by a number of parties, including the individuals placed under the guardianship. The court will have to determine what is in the children's best interests by examining all evidence brought forth by the contesting parties. Learn more about contested guardianships.

Probate
Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone's death, in which the court determines if the deceased's will is valid and determines how assets will be allocated to pay off debts and distributed to heirs. Learn more about probate.

Related Real Property Litigation
Estate planning is meant to safeguard against legal battles over possessions and other assets, but disputes over real estate and other property often arise after the death of a loved one. Beneficiaries of both probate cases and trusts may disagree over the fate of real estate, which leads to litigation. Learn more about related real property litigation.

Trust Litigation
Trust agreements can be complex, and in some cases after the trustor passes the beneficiaries will be in disagreement over the terms and conditions of the trust. When this occurs, the conflicting parties must take their arguments to the probate court and undergo the litigation process. Learn more about trust litigation.

How to Become a Florida Resident
Becoming a resident of Florida is often very beneficial for those who are planning their estates. The residency application can be easily completed with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, and the new resident will receive the many tax advantages the state has to offer. Learn more about how to become a Florida resident.

Wills & Trusts
Estate planning offers a number of options to protect your assets and loved ones after you are gone. The most commonly used methods of planning for the future are wills and trusts, which give guidelines for the care and distribution of your property and assets. Learn more about wills & trusts.

Trust and Wills Disputes
Many will and trust disputes are the result of hurt feelings. However, there may be legitimate cause to question the validity of a deceased person's will or trust. For example, if the individual was in any way coerced into signing the document, the will is no longer valid. Additionally, if the deceased singed the will when he/she was of unsound mind, the will should not be considered legitimate in court.

Enlist an Experienced Stuart Estate Planning Lawyer

Crary Buchanan has served the people of Stuart since 1927, and we would be proud to represent you in your estate planning issues. We can help you create an appropriate and comprehensive plan to take care of your family and distribute your assets in whatever way satisfies you. If you need guidance for probate proceedings or support as you fulfill your duties as an executor or trustee, our firm can offer you extensive legal knowledge and dedicated representation. Estate planning does not need to be a burden; call our offices today to learn what we can do to help!

Contact a Stuart estate planning lawyer from the firm for skilled legal counsel on any area of estate planning.