Practice Areas
ESTATE PLANNING
An Estate Plan is a set of documents used to distribute your assets (real estate, bank accounts, stocks, personal property, etc.) in the event you become incapacitated or pass away. A well-drafted Estate Plan can clearly lay out your wishes and help your loved ones avoid the delays and expenses of dealing with the court system.
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There are several documents that Seacoast Law can assist you in creating your Estate Plan. These include a LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, REVOCABLE TRUST, and a GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY. It is advisable that your estate plan also include a LIVING WILL and HEALTHCARE POWER OF ATTORNEY. For more information on these documents, please see below.
Last Will and Testament
​A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that becomes active immediately upon your passing. This document names an executor to carry out the terms of your will, clearly states your intent for the distribution of your assets and wealth, and outlines guardianship of minor children, if applicable. You may also include final arrangements, but use caution and note these elsewhere as well, as a Will is often not read until after a funeral or memorial service. A Last Will and Testament is useful for anyone, regardless of wealth status. In the absence of a Will, your assets will distribute according to state law and probate process.
Revocable Trust
A Revocable Trust is a Trust created and amendable during your lifetime. It is separate from a Will but is often used in addition to one. A Revocable Trust takes effect upon signing and allows for a Trustee you designate (often yourself) to control your assets during your lifetime. This Trust also dictates how the Trustee (or Successor Trustee that you designate) shall manage or disburse your assets upon your incapacitation or death. Revocable Trusts can help avoid the probate court process, however, this may not always be necessary, depending on the cost and complexity of probate in your estate.
General Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney gives one or more individuals that you designate, the power to make decisions on your behalf relating to personal, financial or business matters. A Power of Attorney typically includes very broad language but allows for the designation of specific powers as well. A Durable Power of Attorney remains intact even if you become incapacitated. This document can become effective immediately upon signing, or can include “springing” language, which would cause the document to become effective upon specific date or circumstance, such as incapacitation. If you become unable to manage your personal, financial or business affairs, and do not have a Power of Attorney, a court may intervene and appoint someone to act on your behalf. A Power of Attorney ensures that if you are unable to handle such matters, the person or persons you designate will.
Living Will
Also known as an Advanced Healthcare Directive, a Living Will outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in the event you are unable to communicate, including at the end of your life. This document often includes your wishes regarding life support, organ donation, and resuscitation efforts. Having a Living Will clearly expresses your wishes and prevents your loved ones from having to make tough decisions in extremely difficult and stressful situations.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney, also known as a Healthcare Proxy, is specifically designed to cover medical treatment. This document appoints an Agent to communicate with doctors and make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to express your own preferences regarding your medical treatment decisions. Physicians appreciate this document as it designates the person that should be consulted, rather than leaving the decision to several family members, who may or may not agree.
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Please reach out to Seacoast Law to schedule a meeting to discuss your situation and determine how we may be able to assist.
FAMILY LAW
Seacoast Law assists in a variety of different family-related legal matters, including adoptions, divorce, division of assets, division of retirement accounts, division of property, parental rights and responsibility, child custody, child support, alimony, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. These legal matters can create some of the most stressful and turbulent situations for individuals and can be navigated easier with a professional by your side. Please reach out to Seacoast Law to schedule a meeting to discuss your situation and determine how we may be able to assist.
OTHER PRACTICE AREAS
Some legal matters are not able to be settled by agreement.
Seacoast Law can assist in general litigation matters relating to real estate, personal injury, business, landlord/tenant, and corporate law. Please contact Seacoast Law to set up a meeting to discuss your legal needs and determine if Seacoast Law will be able to assist you.