Tel. (352) 394-1000     Email: edwardpjordan@cfl.rr.com

Usually when a person passes away, their estate will go through probate. Probate is the legal process established by the State of Florida to make certain that a decedent's assets and liabilities are distributed and/or paid in accordance with his or her wishes and Florida law. Another primary purpose of the probate process is to ensure that minor children are protected. Probate requires the appointment of a Personal Representative (the person responsible for the handling of the estate), a full accounting of all debts; that all taxes and expenses are paid, and finally ensures that all remaining assets are distributed to the respective beneficiaries. Florida probate is supervised by the Court situated in the county where the decedent last resided. People equate probate to high legal fees and burdensome delays.

Edward P. Jordan II, P.A. takes great pride in Leading You Through The Law in the probate process as well as estate planning. Our goal is to serve you with dignity and protect your loved ones during a deeply emotional time.

One way to avoid probate is through a Living Trust. A Living Trust is a legal vehicle whereby the one person (the trustee) hold legal title to property for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries). The trustee must follow the rule provided for in the Living Trust and Florida law. An Irrevocable Trust is one that cannot be changed after it has been created. A Revocable Trust is one that can be changed or rescinded by the person who created it up until the day he or she passes away. A Living Trust is often used to avoid the cost and inherent delays of probating a will; to manage assets; to protect assets from creditors and for long-term care planning. There are many variations of both Revocable and Irrevocable trusts.

Edward P. Jordan II, P.A. Leads You Through the Law by offering legal counsel in drafting a simple wills; complex wills; living wills; power of attorneys and various forms of living trusts. Our goal when drafting your will is to ensure that your property will be distributed according to your wishes and that your minor children are protected. If a probate is necessary, we work closely with the Personal Representative to settle the Estate.

Additionally, we advise our clients about protecting and transferring control and ultimate documents and living wills. Because preventive legal services is a big part of estate planning, these devices along with durable powers of attorney, are recommended to avoid guardianship or interruption of life enhancing services.

If we can be of assistance in estate planning services to you, please feel free to contact our office. We remain eager to serve you and Lead You Through the Law of Estate Planning.