Trusts + Estate Planning

Trust HLMG to assist you in planning your estates and succession. Wills, Trusts, Living Wills, Health Care Surrogates and more.

Estimates show that fewer than half of Americans have the proper estate planning tools in place. Many do not even have a will, even if they claim to know it is necessary. Some believe their assets will pass on automatically to their spouse without having to put any official plan in place. Unfortunately, these people might be setting their loved ones up for a frustrating hassle once they are gone.

Estate planning is one of the best ways you can show your family you care about their well-being. If you need assistance planning your estate in Miami or the surrounding area, Gennevieve Henriquez can help.

Though you might be able to put together a very basic estate plan on your own, it is best to work with an experienced estate planning attorney. Someone who understands estate planning laws and end-of-life issues can help you determine how to manage your assets now and how to best set up for their distribution after you are gone. Good attorneys also review your estate plan throughout your life and help you make updates as changes occur.

Why Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

Many people assume they do not need to work with an attorney when it comes to planning their estate because they are not “rich” or their spouse will just inherit everything.

Though things might turn out okay after you are gone, it is always better to plan and do what you can to protect your loved one. There are no guarantees. And estate planning is about more than just “who gets your stuff” after you are gone.

A person’s estate is their money and property. There are many different ways to manage your estate and plan for its transfer after you die. What is best for one person might not work for another. Having an attorney review your specific circumstances and explain your options to you is the best way to ensure you make the best decision for you and your family. The proper planning might also make it easier for loved ones to avoid the expense and hassle of probate.

Estate planning attorneys also help you plan for events you hope never happen. It is important to create a plan for what will happen if you are no longer able to care for your minor children. You also need to have plans in place for your medical care and legal decisions if there comes a time you are not able to express your desires.

Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney

Many attorneys can help you write or will or create a basic estate plan. Some people work with an attorney they have worked with in the past, even if that person does not specialize in estate planning.

While this might work for some people and might provide you with the basics of estate planning, it is always better to work with someone who understands all of the ins and outs of estate planning laws.

Estate planning attorneys can:

• Provide you with expert guidance because a significant portion of their time is spent dealing with estate planning
• Put you at ease sharing intimate detail and concerns about your life and your family
• Explain complex estate planning laws that might change over time
• Carefully assess your situation and help you create the best possible plan based on your specific circumstances
• Evaluate your life changes and help you make updates to your existing estate plans

Meeting with an Estate Planning Attorney

Finding the right estate planning attorney can help you design the best possible plan for your life and your family. When you meet with an estate planning attorney, ask the following questions:

• How much experience do you have with estate planning?
• Have you helped to establish trust in addition to writing wills?
• Does your help include life-time assistance for updating my plans as my life changes?
• Will you assist my loved ones during the probate process and any other challenges they face after I am gone?
• Will I work directly with you throughout the process or will other members of your team be assisting me?
• What additional services do you offer that might be of assistance to me
• when managing my estate?
• What are your fees and what do they include?

In addition to knowing an attorney has the knowledge and experience to help you with your specific estate planning needs, it is also important to make sure you feel comfortable with an attorney. Even the most experienced attorneys are not right for everyone. You want to find someone who puts you at ease and helps you through your specific process. It is also important to know that your family will have someone they can trust to help them after you are gone. The best estate planning attorneys offer experience and knowledge but are also patient and compassionate.

Estate Planning Attorney in Miami

Gennevieve Henriquez immigrated to the United States in 1985 and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University Of Miami School Of Law. Her colleagues and clients admire her for her take-charge attitude and indomitable spirit. She is responsive to the needs of her clients and has helped people with a variety of legal issues, including divorce, acquisition of property, business matters, guardianship, and preparation of wills and trust and probating estates clients. Her past clients include churches, general contractors, homeowners, condominium associations, and quasi-governmental entities such as Fannie Mae.

Gennevieve has helped clients through out-of-court settlements via mediation and has litigated legal matters when needed. She has a keen understanding of the laws and knows how they affect matters of estate planning in Miami and throughout Florida. She can assess a client’s concerns and his or her estate and help that person come up with the best possible plan based on the specific circumstances.

If you need assistance with estate planning or you have questions about what you can do now to help your family in the future regarding your estate, Gennevieve can help. For more information or to schedule a consultation with her to discuss your estate planning needs, contact her at 305-412-8510 or by email at GOLHENRIQUES@BELLSOUTH.NET.