WHY PLAN FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE?

People typically don't prepare for much.  They have this attitude of'I'll just wing it'. However, when there is an imminent threat, all those laid back people turn into the ultimate preppers.

Fear placed inside of someone truly fuels the fire and gets the person up and in motion. With the recent passing of Hurricane Irma, everyone's life has been turned upside down for almost two weeks now.

With the unpredictability of Hurrican Irma's path, it was advised that PLANNING was the only way to get through this historical beast of a storm.  We had the news stations airing 24/7 hurricane coverage for nearly a week- that has to say something.

Once the news made it clear we were in the path of destruction, it was every man for himself to get prepared! Long lines at gas stations to fill up gas tanks for cars and generators. Long lines at the grocery store to stock up on non-perishable items (especially water and as much junk food as they can fit in their shopping cart) Long lines to pick up plywood, batteries, fans, etc.

Thankfully at the last minute, Hurricane Irma changed it's path and our city was not directly hit. However our fortune was some other town's misfortune. Sadly, that's how life tends to work out.

Although you cannot determine the exact path and overall impact of a hurricane, the fact of the matter is, that if you failed to prepare for the storm and the aftermath you would be in much worse shape once all is said and done.

Estate planning is the way we plan for the future that is unpredictable just like that of a hurricane.  Fortunately and unfortunately, we as humans are the only animals that know we are going to die, yet we do not know when or how it will happen.

We do not have a tracker that holds the potential future paths our lives might take. Therefore, you do not know if and when (or if at all) you will become incapacitated. You do not know if your 'adult children' who just went away to college will act recklessly and need their parents to step in and help them out.  (A parent can not make legal decisions for a child that is over 18, because at that time they are an adult in the eyes of the law).

Estate planning allows you to prepare for the unpredictability of what we call life. It is not fun to think about, but it is a reality. Preparing for your incapacity and passing not only will bring you peace of mind, but it will also make things easier on your loved ones who survive you and have to handle your affairs when you are gone.

Through effective estate planning, you have the ability to name who will make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.  You have the ability of naming who will or will not receive from your estate once you pass away.  Have no fear-if you chose to do nothing, the State of Florida will 'plan' for you.  There is a good chance that the State of Florida's plan will not be what you would have wished for yourself and your loved ones.

Start your estate planning today so you can have peace of mind that your wishes are known for the future.

Call The Hershey Law Firm at (954) 303-9468 today for your free consultation to learn more about being prepared for your future.

Remember: You Can't Predict The Future But You Can Plan For It.

Estate Planning: Summertime Fun – Prepare and Protect

Nothing says summertime like beaches, BBQ’s , family road trips and anything but school and work. Sometimes the best made plans are those that happen on a whim. Others require some pre-planning to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

Summertime in Florida is hurricane season. All summertime plans can be washed away if a hurricane hits. What do Floridians do when they are told there is a hurricane forming? Go crazy of course.  You prepare for the possibility of days without electricity and the ability to get gas. You stock up on canned goods, batteries, water bottles, and fill your tank of gas for your car and generators.

No one watches the news and says, “the hurricane won’t hit us so we don’t need to stock up.” Hurricanes can unexpectedly change directions and you could go from being safe to being in the center of the eye.  Without proper planning, you will be at the mercy of others to help you. Don’t you wish you prepared?

“Just like a hurricane, you cannot predict or control when or where you are going to die. You should plan ahead and take charge of your estate.”

In Florida, if you die without a will or trust your intentions of how you would like your assets to be distributed and who will become the guardian of your children is irrelevant. Your assets will be statutorily distributed “per stirpes” and groups of loved ones may be excluded. Proper estate planning is necessary to protect who will receive your assets and who will care for your children.

Protect yourself and your family with proper estate planning before it is too late. Safeguard your assets and determine who will take your children to the beach, who will teach them how to ride their bike, or guide them through life if you are no longer able to.  With proper estate planning including, Wills, Trust, Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate, Funding Techniques, you can feel secure when your time has come.

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For more information on how to prepare your estate as you wish, contact The Hershey Law Firm, P.A.  at (954) 303-9468 to schedule your free consultation.