looking for wills-estates attorney
 

I wasn't sure where to post this. I'm not sick or dying but it's time I made a will and so forth. I would appreciate any input from TOTV, good experience or bad. Are there attorneys who give a senior discount (a la AARP)? How much should I expect to pay for a simple will and probate plan? Thank you for any responses.

The way you wrote your post your will should be inexpensive. I am not a FL resident (or attorney) and not familure with the rules. You want to determin if one of your beneficiaries could probate the will without an attorney's help (and fees). It is not difficult but it may not be possible if the beneficiary ( or anyone you pick) is not a Fl resident. The big money could be having to pay 6% of your estate value to an attorney. Usualy the attorney that drafted the will. Make sure you will does not name the attorney as the person to handel the will at your death. Let the administer pick their own attorney.
A trust could avoid some of these fees but be careful as the "trust sellers" are expensive and you have to make sure you really need the trust.
If you own real estate in two states this could be a problem. You will probably be advised to put the non FL propery in a trust to avoid the out of state probate costs. This is not expense so watch the fees. The house title would be transferred to the trust. Want to make sure you do not incurre any state transfer fees etc. Income Tax wise you will file your taxes as if the trust did not exist if it was done correctly.
I would go to the local seminars the attornies put on to start the learning process. Just don't buy until you shop arround.
Also consider a letter to tell your heirs where you would like to be burried etc. Arranging the details ahead of time is not a bad idea if you are sure of the details.

I just had a power of attorney for my Mom, her will and her medical directive so she would be all "legal" in Florida. Cost $300. I used Susan Sullivan in Oxford, right next door to Bargains and Treasures. My husband, my Mom and I all just moved here from Delaware. I learned that our Delaware Power of Attorney's are not valid in FL, hence the changes.

Next week, hubby and I go to Susan to get our papers all in order. I do not know if she will charge more for two people (couple) versus just one person (my Mom). FYI, you will need your FL driver's license first and bring your exisitng documents.

Our documents were fairly simple and did not do any type of trusts, I am sure that those types of instruments would cost more. Anyway, I liked Susan and her staff and would recommend.

I also would suggest Susan Sullivan. She did our wills earlier this year and we were very pleased with her as she throughly explained all of our options to us. Cost for both was about $500. You can reach her at 352-689-0045

My wife and i have heard all good things about susan sullivan. We have an appt with her next week to do our will. I think she said it would be three hundred and some dollars. Like i said i have heard good things about her so thats where i am going.

I use Brett Sweigert (347-0033)in the Spruce Creek Plaza. He is knowlegeable, fees are within reason, and his advice has always been excellent. He was highly recommended by neighbors who have been in the Villages for years. I was not disappointed.

We used Fred Goller of McLin & Burnsed (Sumter Landing across from Southern Lifestyles) to do our Florida wills and a trust. The prices were very reasonable, about 60% of what we previously paid for the same thing in the state of Washington. Worth getting a quote from them.

Estate Planning
 

This firm is top notch. Estate planning is their specialty and we highly recommend them.

Eric C. Millhorn:
Email Attorney Eric C. Millhorn
352-430-2537

Susan Sullivan
 

We used Susan Sullivan back in April and were very pleased. I was a criminal trial lawyer (prosecutor) for 33 years and found her knowledgeable and professional.

Another vote for Millhorn. I used the office of 441 (next to Billy's Cafe). They did my will, trust, power of attorney and health care forms in 2001 and I also used them to make updates in 2009.

Z

I highly recommend the firm of Mary F. Trotter. They are located on 27/441 approximately across from WalMart. Her office phone is 352-205-7245 and their web site is www.trotterlaw.com. She is an Elder Law Specialist and, if you are an AARP member, you get a discount. She does seminars in TV for AARP on estate planning, elder law, trusts, etc. and often has an ad in The Daily Sun. We were very pleased with the service we received.

Lawrence Taylor Leesburg
 

My husband and I used Lawrence Taylor in Leesburg. I think we paid about $400 last year. Great guy. 1029 W Magnolia St, Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 787-1440
:BigApplause:

I agree with previous post about Attorney Mary Trotter who is certified in Elder Law. She offers a free 1 hour initial consultation. She is located in Oakland Hills Office Complex, just north of Billy's Pancakes on Hwy 441. She has occasional ads in The Daily Sun and can be reached at 352-205-7245.

Just went back to Susan Sullivan for my husband and I. We are getting new wills, powers of attorney and medical directives....two of us $525.

I also would recommend Eric Millhorn. They offer a free consultation.

We were very please with his professionalism and good information.

Does anyone know of an attorney that does both NJ Law and Florida Law...trying to get some questions answered re change of residency.

Thank you,
R.

Another vote for Susan Sullivan. We got the whole shebang done, trust, wills, POA, Medical, etc, for a little over $1000. The trust documents and process is the more expensive of the various options and we decided to use it to save our kids potential hassle and expense when the time comes. She was really great to work with, very patient and knowledgable.

We used Marry Trotter and found her very professional, reasonable, and knowledgable. She specializes in Elder Law. We moved from Michigan and are very glad we had our legal documents changed to take advantage of differences in Florida law. Mary's phone is 352.205.7245