Estate Planning

Jacksonville Estate Planning Lawyer

At the law office of Gordon T. Nicol, we treat clients like family. We are truly concerned about the well-being and futures of our clients. We are dedicated to providing clients with quality legal services and ongoing communication. Our estate planning services are designed to safeguard individuals from a variety of problems, in addition to providing directives for their property and assets. We can establish guardianships, wills, and trusts for you and your family.

Establishing a will and a trust can be beneficial to individuals, couples, and families. Would you like to learn more by meeting with an attorney? Please contact the law office of Gordon T. Nicol today to arrange a complimentary consultation. Our firm provides approachable, friendly, and efficient services.

Wills, Trusts, and Other Estate Planning

Many people may think that establishing a will is the only step needed in planning for the protection and distribution of their property and assets. However there are various other estate planning directives that can work in conjunction with your will that can further protect your family and heirs.

• Wills: Your last will and testament can name heirs for specific property, name guardians for minor children, establish trusts, and achieve many other goals.
• Trusts: Trusts vary greatly, depending on your specific needs and intentions. Some trusts are established according to instructions in your will while others are created during your lifetime. Trusts can be effective means for tax planning, distributing to minor children, planning for special needs children, and more.
• Living wills and Health Care Surrogates: If you have specific wishes regarding the type of health care you receive in the future, it is important to establish a living will and/or name a heath care surrogate. While a living will declares your wishes regarding life-sustaining care, a heath care surrogate is a person you name to make important health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of doing so due to illness or incapacity.
• Guardianships: Guardianships have purposes beyond assigning authority over minor children. Guardianships may also be necessary for an adult with special needs or an elderly person who lacks the capacity to care for oneself.
• Durable powers of attorney: Powers of attorney can be very broad depending on your needs. A power of attorney grants authority to an individual you name, to do certain things on your behalf — make health care decisions, sign contracts, and more. Durable powers of attorney remain valid even if you become incapacitated.
• Estate Planning for the GLBT Community: Our firm represents gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender clients who are interested in establishing wills and trusts and other estate planning tools. An estate plan can ensure you and your partner have legal rights in health care decisions and managing financial affairs.

Probate

Our firm's probate work includes representing clients in will contests, formal probate, and non-formal probate.

Contact our Jacksonville, Florida, law firm to arrange your consultation.