We are continuing our series on how unmarried partners can protect their assets.  If you are not married and are concerned about how to ensure your partner is taken care of upon your death, you should see a Florida estate planning attorney to develop an estate plan for you.  Our last articles discussed listing both parties as joint owners on property and designating your partner as a beneficiary on bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, life insurance etc.  Today, we will look at two more ways unmarried partners can protect their assets.

Have a Revocable Trust

A will designates who receives your property and other assets upon your death. If you want to avoid excessive fees of probate lawyers and probate court, then a revocable trust is highly recommended.  A qualified Florida estate planning attorney can develop a proper revocable trust in accordance with state laws. A revocable trust can avoid the fees and costs of probate lawyers and probate.

Designate a Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney is someone who has authority over your finances and assets should you become unable to act or incapacitated.  You can expand this to include a health care surrogate, which is a medical directive that allows your partner to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so.  A Florida estate planning attorney can prepare these documents for you in accordance with state laws.

If you are in need of an estate planning lawyer, the Pittman Law Office is a qualified firm serving The Villages area.  Our estate planning attorneys, probate lawyers  and staff have extensive experience and can help you navigate either of these processes.  Give us a call to learn more today!