Guest post by Bonita Springs Trust and Probate Litigation Attorney Richard Mancini:

As Clarence famously said in “It’s A Wonderful Life”:

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

Many plan for the time when their time on earth is over and plan to distribute their wealth to family and friends. Unfortunately, sometimes the plans aren’t clear or the plans forget an important aspect, which leads to fights and litigation after their passing. As we reflect back on 2016 and look to the future, it is critical to have a complete estate plan, but not just any plan.

Think about your blessings and where you want them to go after you are gone and ask:

  • Will each of your children share equally?
  • Is there a family member you want to specifically leave out of your estate plan?
  • Who do you want to take over the family business?
  • Is your spouse to be taken care of until their passing?
  • Do you want your spouse to have any control over your wealth when they pass away?
  • Is your life insurance and retirement account included in your estate plan?

Make sure you work with an estate planning attorney, a good CPA and a good financial advisor, so your plan can be implemented. From all of us at Henderson, Franklin, we wish you the happiest of holidays and remember “Every time you hear a bell ring, it means that some angel’s just got his wings.”

Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

About the Author:

ManciniRichard Mancini is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and concentrates his practice in the areas of trust & estate litigation, contested guardianships, business litigation, banking & financial institutions and mediation and arbitration.  Richard handles contested estate and trust matters, breach of fiduciary duty litigation, and representation of the fiduciaries or beneficiaries of estates and trusts. He can be reached at richard.mancini@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1254.