Are You Prepared?

South Florida Probate and Estate Planning Attorneys

schedule a meeting

Are You Prepared?

South Florida Probate and Estate Planning Attorneys

schedule a meeting

Are You Prepared?

South Florida Probate and Estate Planning Attorneys

schedule a meeting

Wills

Trusts

Probate

The Legacy
Law Firm

Our Approach

Planning for potential disability, death, or navigating the legal system after losing a loved one can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Traditionally, law firms have been seen as stuffy, cold, uninviting, and unresponsive. We founded The Legacy Law Firm to break away from that mold and provide our clients with a warm, welcoming, and responsive experience.

At The Legacy Law Firm, we specialize in estate planning, probate, and Medicaid crisis planning, understanding that these areas require both expertise and compassion. Our dedicated attorneys and staff take pride in offering high-quality legal services that alleviate stress and deliver results efficiently and effectively.

Estate planning is crucial for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of. Probate can be a complex process, but our team is here to simplify it, guiding you through every step with empathy and clarity. When it comes to Medicaid crisis planning, we help you navigate the intricate rules and regulations to protect your assets and secure the care you need.

You can count on us to be with you every step of the way, providing the support and guidance you need during life’s most challenging times. Let our experienced team help you today, bringing peace of mind and a sense of security to you and your family.

A Law Firm That Is Truly Client Centric

Our clients always come first. We strive to provide an experience that is superior through being responsive, efficient and attentive.

Our Practice Areas

Our firm practices exclusively in Probate Administration, Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning.
We strive to provide a stress free experience that is results driven.

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meet

Founder
Christine A. Schafer

Attorney and Owner

At 21 years of age I lost my father. What happened next was tragic - I was unintentionally disinherited because of my father's failure to plan. When you have a blended family which consists of a new spouse and children from a prior relationship, it's crucial to plan in advance. I help others avoid the pain and stress I faced at such a young age.

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Frequently
Asked Questions

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Frequently
Asked Questions

You should start estate planning as soon as possible, regardless of your age or financial situation. Early planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your loved ones are protected, and potential legal and financial complications are minimized. Life is unpredictable, and having a comprehensive estate plan in place provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your family’s future is secure. Don’t wait for a crisis to begin; start planning now to safeguard your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.

Everyone needs estate planning, regardless of age, wealth, or family situation. Whether you have significant assets or modest ones, estate planning ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and potential legal complications are avoided. It’s especially crucial for parents, homeowners, business owners, and those with dependents or specific health care preferences. Estate planning provides peace of mind by clearly outlining your intentions for asset distribution, guardianship, and health care decisions, making it an essential step for anyone wanting to secure their and their family’s future.

For comprehensive estate planning, you need several key documents. A will outlines how your assets will be distributed and can name guardians for minor children. A trust can manage and protect your assets during your lifetime and after your death, often avoiding probate. An advance healthcare directive or living will specifies your healthcare wishes if you become incapacitated, while a durable power of attorney designates someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. Lastly, a HIPAA authorization allows designated individuals to access your medical information. Together, these documents ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

In Florida, probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets according to their will or state law if there is no will. This process involves validating the will, identifying and inventorying the deceased’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. Florida probate can be complex and time-consuming, requiring court supervision and adherence to specific state laws. It aims to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out properly and that creditors are paid before beneficiaries receive their inheritances.

Probate is necessary when a person dies owning assets solely in their name without designated beneficiaries. This legal process is required to validate the will (if one exists), settle debts, and distribute the remaining assets to rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Probate is also needed when there are disputes among heirs or when the estate’s value exceeds a certain threshold, varying by state. Essentially, probate ensures the orderly transfer of assets, resolution of claims, and compliance with legal requirements after someone’s death.

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