Your Tallahassee Law Firm for the Creation and Administration of Trusts,  and for the Drafting of Powers of Attorney, Health Care Advance Directives, Living Wills, and Designations of Guardian

Whether you are planning for support for yourself in the event of your incapacity, for your loved ones upon your death, or for your future medical care, Robert M. Ervin, Jr. can help with:

• Wills incorporating a testamentary trust (a trust included in your will that is not effective until your death)
• Inter vivos trusts (a living trust effective upon execution)
• Powers of attorney
• Health care advance directives, including living wills
• Designations of guardian

In addition to basic wills, these and other estate planning instruments are available, are extremely flexible, and can be designed to fit your unique needs. Robert M. Ervin, Jr. works closely with you to determine your goals and create precise instruments to carry out your intentions. We analyze your estate and assist in determining the best means of transferring your assets to care for and protect your loved ones.

A trust may be included in your will and not effective until your death (a testamentary trust) or a separate instrument effective upon execution (an inter vivos trust). An inter vivos trust provides for the immediate care and protection of your assets in the event of your incapacity, and also acts in the same manner as a will upon your death, distributing your property as you direct, and otherwise expresses your wishes upon your incapacity or death, without the necessity of probate.

A power of attorney is a convenient means of appointing an agent to act on your behalf in financial and other matters.

A health care advance directive expresses your wishes for your medical care when you are otherwise unable to do so, and a living will expresses your wishes regarding the limitation of medical intervention you desire to prolong your life artificially. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.

If you have minor children, and do not designate a guardian, the court may appoint one whose decisions are in conflict with your parenting goals. A trust, either testamentary or inter vivos, allows you to make decisions about their future care. Naming a trustee and designating a guardian is especially important if you are a single parent, but even married couples must consider the remote possibility of needing to provide for a trustee and guardian for children.

Robert M. Ervin, Jr. provides these services in Tallahassee, Leon County, the surrounding counties of Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden, Liberty and Jefferson, along the Northern Florida Gulf Coast, and throughout Florida. Call us at 850-224-9135 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.