Pittman Law Office Newsflash

Since it’s October, we are going to dive into some eerie tales of mishaps and mistakes that could haunt your family for generations. Discover how you can dodge these frightful errors and ensure your legacy rests in peace. Below is the first in our series of estate planning gone wrong videos. Keep an eye out this month for more estate planning horror stories.

Upcoming Workshops

Funding Revocable Trust Workshop

This workshop is for current clients of Pittman Law Office that have Revocable Trusts.

Date & Time; Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:00 am

Location: Pittman Law Office

RSVP to 352-399-6944 – Seating is limited to 10 people

Basic Estate Planning Workshop

This workshop is for potential clients of Pittman Law Office that want to learn more about Estate Planning and our firm.

Date & Time: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00 am

Date & Time: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00 am

Date & Time: Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:00 am

Location: Pittman Law Office

RSVP: 352-399-6944 – Seating is limited to 10 people

Probate Corner…

What is Probate? In Florida, probate is the Court process that is necessary in certain situations, to transfer assets to your surviving heirs and pay your creditors. The probate process can be expensive and time consuming if planning isn’t done ahead of time. The Court process can take anywhere from a few months to one year. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, all depending upon the extent of the legal issues and the value of the assets going through the probate process. Probate requires that certain assets are used to pay creditors before distribution to your beneficiaries. Lastly, probate filings are public record, which means your friends and neighbors can view the details of your finances and to whom you left your assets. Most of the probate process is avoidable with a proper estate plan, such as a revocable trust and thorough beneficiary designations on financial accounts. Now, there are clients of ours that do not need a revocable trust because of their personal situation and we have discussed with them the importance of naming beneficiaries on all of their investment and bank accounts. Not everyone needs a revocable trust. Let Pittman Law Office discuss your specific situation and how probate may or may not be an issue for you.

My Neighbor Said…

My neighbor said since I have beneficiaries named on all my accounts, I don’t need a Durable Power of Attorney… This is not good advice. Beneficiary designations and a Durable Power of Attorney come into play at two different times.

A beneficiary designation named on an account is the one who receives the asset when the owner of the account dies. A Durable Power of Attorney is a crucial legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters while you are alive but unable to handle your matters yourself. It allows you to designate a trusted individual, known as your agent, to manage tasks like paying bills, handling real estate transactions, and managing your assets. Having a Durable Power of Attorney in place ensures your affairs are handled according to your wishes, especially in times of illness or incapacity.

If you have more questions about beneficiary designations or a Durable Power of Attorney, check out our YouTube Channel.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas…

Attorney Amy Pittman and Attorney Audra Platt brought back a lot of estate planning knowledge from their continuing legal education symposium that they attended in September.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas…

Attorney Amy Pittman and Attorney Audra Platt brought back a lot of estate planning knowledge from their continuing legal education symposium that they attended in September.

Attorney Sydney Simmons’s kids, Elle and Barrett, on a beach vacation in Anna Maria Island.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR REFERRALS

Thank you for your support and confidence in our firm! One of the best compliments we receive is the referral of your friends and family. If you had an awesome experience at PLO, please pass on the word and if you would like to give us a testimonial to use for our website, please contact Amy, amy@thepittmanlawoffice.com.

Also remember to like us on Facebook, leave a review on Google and visit our website, www.thepittmanlawoffice.com. We also post educational videos on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoZwwOaxeSB6C47DlebyWg