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      • Up-to-Date
        • I've relocated to FloridaI’ve either recently or since last updating my estate planning documents, moved to or am considering moving to Florida.
        • It's been a while since my last update and my situation may have changedIt’s been 3 or more years since my estate planning documents were drafted and put into effect, making them obsolete and it’s possible my family and/or financial situations have changed.
        • I'm concerned about maintaining my estate plan for the futureHow can I develop a relationship with an established, reputable estate planning firm that can economically keep my plan up to date?
      • Tax Efficient
        • I have large IRA or 401(k)sA large portion of my assets are held in individual retirement accounts.
        • I'm concerned about the estate taxI either don’t completely understand or am concerned about my estate being subjected to the federal or state estate tax.
        • I may have large unrealized capital gainsBased on the growth of my assets or how they’re being transferred, I may have unrealized capital gains.
        • I'm not sure how to escape my former state's taxing authorityIn considering moving to Florida, or since doing so, I’m having trouble severing ties with my former state.
      • Family Harmony
        • I need to choose the right people to fill the roles in my documentsLooking over my documents, I need to select the correct people to fill the roles of Trustee, Power of Attorney and the like.
        • I have a blended familyAs the result of second marriage, adoption or other circumstances, my family situation is blended and may require some sensitivity.
        • I don't want to deprive my beneficiaries of drive and ambitionI don’t want to instill a sense of complacency in my beneficiaries by leaving them an inheritance that makes them too comfortable.
      • Asset Alignment
        • I'm not sure my assets are properly titled into trustEither my trust was never funded properly or I never got around to making sure my accounts and assets were placed properly into trust.
        • I'm not sure my beneficiary designations line up with my planI want to make sure my beneficiary designations for things like retirement accounts and insurance are in line with my estate planning documents.
      • Protection
        • I want to ensure my plan is protected for and from myselfI’m concerned that during a time of incapacity or distress that I may not be the best suited to be in control.
        • I want to protect inheritances for my spouse or childrenI want to make sure my estate plan is set up so that my future beneficiaries’ inheritance doesn’t fall prey to adverse circumstances.
        • I want to protect the inheritance for my grandchildrenAssisting in the care of my grandchildren for their future is important.
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    BACK
    It all starts with your Client Organizer that you complete and which gives us a starting point to analyze your current situation. It also provides us the facts that we need to ask you the right questions pertinent to you. The Client Organizer should be completed as thoroughly as possible. The information that you provide is confidential, and is important for us to provide the best legal advice during our initial conference.




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    As we begin our initial conference, we will ask you what goals are most important to you and what concerns or obstacles may currently stand in the way of achieving those goals. This will form the basis of your estate planning strategies, and provide us valuable insight into your mindset. We will also review who should make decisions for you if you could no longer do so for yourself, which is an often neglected but vital element to your estate plan. Finally, we’ll discuss who might be the best party to handle all of the responsibilities necessary to carry out your final wishes and directions.
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    We will work together to design a will or trust package that meets your needs, given your family and financial situation, and your goals and concerns. There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” estate plan. The Design element will consider the types of assets that you own, how you own them, and the relative tax consequences of your holdings, among other things, in fashioning your individualized plan. We will provide you a fixed fee quote so that you know the price for us to complete your planning.
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    We will build your documents based upon the Design phase specifications, providing you easy to read and understand flowcharts and summaries. You will have as much time as you need to ask questions and consider revisions to the first draft. It is important to know that we want to answer any and all questions that you may have about this process.
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    You may have a trusted attorney, CPA, or financial advisor that you would like involved in this process. We’re happy to do so. Just let us know and we will either invite them to your meetings, or conference call them in if they are not local.
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    Unlike other firms who hand you a sheet of instructions how to transfer (or “fund”) your assets into your revocable trust, we do it for you. This is another way that our unique process provides you confidence, comfort and clarity. You’ll rest assured knowing that your legal team includes well-trained professionals who work with your financial firms, banks and advisors to ensure that everything is titled correctly.
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    Your estate plan includes one free year in our Client Care Program, which is a cost effective way to ensure that your documents do not fall out of date with the ever changing legal, tax and financial world. The Client Care Program also works to keep your plan up to date with your family and financial situation. When you open a new account or acquire a new asset, our team will work with you to make sure that it’s titled correctly.
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ARE WE THE RIGHT FIRM FOR YOU? CLICK TO TAKE OUR QUIZ!

Increase Your Knowledge with Our Resources

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Start Building Your Plan

Download our client organizer so that you can start building your ideal estate plan.

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Mindset Quiz

We believe that certain client mindsets lead to the ultimate success when formulating an estate plan.  Click to see if we're the right law firm for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consult our list of questions frequently asked by new clients. 

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Books

One of our options for educational resources includes easily digestible books by Attorney Craig R. Hersch.

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Podcasts

Listen to our experienced attorneys as they discuss a variety of estate planning topics that are valuable to most considering their plan.

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Videos

Watch educational videos illustrating the depth and importance of having a well thought-out estate plan in place.

Research News and Information

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Florida Residency & Estate Planning Workshops

Click here to register for our upcoming Florida Residency & Estate Planning Workshops focused on prospective clients of The Sheppard Law Firm & the details they need to know to get started with their estate plans.

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Client Care Program Workshops

If you're currently a client of the firm enrolled in our Client Care Program, click here to register for our upcoming workshop series.Topics to be announced!

Connect With Us

About Us

Originally founded in 1924, our experienced attorneys have provided personalized advice and legal services in the fields of estate planning, probate and trust administration and asset protection strategies.

We approach our clients’ needs from a unique perspective, actively listening, to assist our clients in accomplishing their goals. Our firm utilizes the most advanced research, analysis and technology available.

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239.334.1141

Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A.
Fort Myers | Naples by Appointment
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Estate & Trust Guy@FLTrustLaw·
20 Nov

Stan Lee’s tangled web of estate planning ­ and how to avoid it in your own life https://t.co/qi1rZPOdLw

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Estate & Trust Guy@FLTrustLaw·
1 Oct

New to Florida or haven't updated your estate plan since moving here? Find out why you need to act sooner rather than later! https://t.co/2WLnQM4w5U #flresidency #floridaresidency #trustsandestates #trustplanning #estateplanning

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Estate & Trust Guy@FLTrustLaw·
24 Jun

The Positive Death Movement Comes to Life via @NYTimes https://t.co/MC2O4bclOy

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FLORIDA@UF·
31 May

Happy #NationalSmileDay, Gators!

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Estate & Trust Guy@FLTrustLaw·
30 May

https://t.co/e3zxpW9Rp8

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This website has been prepared by Family Legacy Media, LLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

The information contained in this website is provided only as general information, which may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. This website occasionally contains links to other web pages. The inclusion of such links, however, does not constitute referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. Family Legacy Media, LLC specifically disclaims any responsibility for positions taken by users in their individual cases or for any misunderstanding on the part of users of this website or any linked websites.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before making your decision ask us to send you free written information about the qualifications and experience of our attorneys. Note that our firm does not intend to treat such correspondence as confidential nor should any confidential information be disclosed through this website. Any information provided through this website could be used in the future against the contributor.

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    MENUMENU
    • Explore
      • Up-to-Date
        • I've relocated to FloridaI’ve either recently or since last updating my estate planning documents, moved to or am considering moving to Florida.
        • It's been a while since my last update and my situation may have changedIt’s been 3 or more years since my estate planning documents were drafted and put into effect, making them obsolete and it’s possible my family and/or financial situations have changed.
        • I'm concerned about maintaining my estate plan for the futureHow can I develop a relationship with an established, reputable estate planning firm that can economically keep my plan up to date?
      • Tax Efficient
        • I have large IRA or 401(k)sA large portion of my assets are held in individual retirement accounts.
        • I'm concerned about the estate taxI either don’t completely understand or am concerned about my estate being subjected to the federal or state estate tax.
        • I may have large unrealized capital gainsBased on the growth of my assets or how they’re being transferred, I may have unrealized capital gains.
        • I'm not sure how to escape my former state's taxing authorityIn considering moving to Florida, or since doing so, I’m having trouble severing ties with my former state.
      • Family Harmony
        • I need to choose the right people to fill the roles in my documentsLooking over my documents, I need to select the correct people to fill the roles of Trustee, Power of Attorney and the like.
        • I have a blended familyAs the result of second marriage, adoption or other circumstances, my family situation is blended and may require some sensitivity.
        • I don't want to deprive my beneficiaries of drive and ambitionI don’t want to instill a sense of complacency in my beneficiaries by leaving them an inheritance that makes them too comfortable.
      • Asset Alignment
        • I'm not sure my assets are properly titled into trustEither my trust was never funded properly or I never got around to making sure my accounts and assets were placed properly into trust.
        • I'm not sure my beneficiary designations line up with my planI want to make sure my beneficiary designations for things like retirement accounts and insurance are in line with my estate planning documents.
      • Protection
        • I want to ensure my plan is protected for and from myselfI’m concerned that during a time of incapacity or distress that I may not be the best suited to be in control.
        • I want to protect inheritances for my spouse or childrenI want to make sure my estate plan is set up so that my future beneficiaries’ inheritance doesn’t fall prey to adverse circumstances.
        • I want to protect the inheritance for my grandchildrenAssisting in the care of my grandchildren for their future is important.
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