Check Frequently Asked Questions

An estate plan is more than just a Will — it’s more than a set of legal documents.  It is a counseling-based strategy that help protect the people you love and the things you’ve worked hard for. A good estate plan makes sure your wishes are honored if something happens to you, whether you pass away or become unable to manage your own affairs. It’s about peace of mind — for you now, and for your family later.

Most likely, yes.  Please ask us how to get a Life and Legacy planning session for free, so that we can help you determine whether the cost of planning is less than the cost of what your loved ones would have to handle in Court if you become incapacitated or when you pass away.

That depends on your goals. A Will lets you name guardians for minor children and say who gets what. But it usually must go through probate court which can tie up funds. A Trust can help you avoid probate, keep things private, and protect your loved ones over time. Many of our clients benefit from having both — a Trust for efficiency, and a Will to cover anything left out.

The state will decide who gets your assets — even if that’s not what you wanted. In Florida and Ohio, your estate will go through probate and be distributed under that state’s 'intestacy' laws. That could mean assets going to estranged relatives or unintended heirs. Having a Will or Trust in place lets you stay in control.

Undocumented estate plans are usually a recipe for disaster.  Even if all family members understand your wishes, state law governs what actually happens.  These laws may not be aligned with your wishes, which is why it is important to document them.

Probate is the court process of settling your estate after death.  Though probate court provides an orderly process with a Judge supervising that wills and laws are followed, it can be:
- Time-consuming (months to a year or more)
- Public (court records are open to anyone)
- Costly (usually between 3-4% of the value of assets)

A Will goes into effect after you pass away and must go through probate to be enforced.A Living Trust takes effect while you're still alive and can:
- Avoid probate
- Allow someone to step in if you become incapacitated
- Offer long-term protections for your beneficiaries from creditors, divorcing spouses, bankruptcies, negligence lawsuits, and lifestyle disabilities

A good rule of thumb: review it every 3 to 5 years, or anytime life changes significantly — like a new child, divorce, move, inheritance, or change in laws.

It’s a great start — but it may not be enough. Each state has its own rules for documents like health care directives and powers of attorney. If you've relocated from another state, we’ll review your plan to make sure its provisions are still valid and effective.

The answer here is… it depends.  While “Ladybird Deeds” can be an effective planning tool, they do not work for all people in all situations.  It is important to seek legal counsel prior to conveying any interest in your real estate.

As tempting as it is to “simplify” things this way, it often leads to unintended consequences.  I have a detailed explanation of this in a free report that you can request by sending me an email at hello@langhall.legal with the subject line “Can I Add My Beneficiary to My Account”

If something happens to you, your plan will name who will care for your children and how their inheritance will be managed. Without a plan, the court decides — and it might not be who you would have chosen.

Yes, and you should. Your Will is the legal document where you nominate someone you trust to raise your children if you’re no longer here. It’s one of the most important reasons for parents to have a Will.  Because sometimes a Will can take time to locate, however, it is important to separately document this nomination and deposit it with the court.  Additionally, there are other steps you can take to make sure your kid(s) never end up in the care of strangers

A Living Trust allows you to delay full access until they’re more mature — maybe 25 or 30 — while still providing for their needs in the meantime. This gives them a safety net without the risk of a lump sum at a young age.

That’s even more reason to put a plan in place. Without it, your current spouse could inherit everything — even if you intended to leave something for your kids. We help blended families create fair and loving plans.

Yes. A Trust can be designed to support your spouse during their lifetime while preserving the remainder for your children. It’s a powerful way to honor both relationships.

It’s very common. We can help you create coordinated but separate plans, or use a combination of shared and individual strategies. Communication and legal clarity can prevent misunderstandings and future conflict.

Clear, written instructions help — and so does naming a neutral trustee. When families are blended, emotions can run high. A well-crafted plan minimizes confusion and protects relationships.

With the right legal tools, you may be able to qualify for Medicaid or protect your assets from being spent down entirely. This might involve creating an irrevocable trust, re-titling assets, or using special deeds. Planning early makes a big difference.

That’s a very common goal. We’ll look at ways to protect your home, savings, or life insurance so that your legacy can live on — even if you face health challenges.

Yes, they do — and we understand both. Whether you live in Florida full-time, are a snowbird, or have recently relocated, we’ll help you navigate the rules that apply to you and your family.

Yes — and it’s even more important. Without legal documents, your partner may have no right to make medical decisions, manage finances (especially problematic if you share children), or inherit anything if something happens to you. An estate plan ensures your relationship is respected and protected.

Absolutely. A Living Trust or, in some circumstances, proper beneficiary designations can ensure your partner inherits without probate. We’ll help you coordinate your plan so everything flows smoothly and privately.

At a minimum: a Will or Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate, and HIPAA authorization. These give your partner legal standing and access in emergencies — and peace of mind every day.

Without a plan, your business could be frozen or fall apart if something happens to you, and your family could be left without income. A good estate plan keeps your business running, names who can step in, and protects its value for your family.

Yes. Whether you want to pass the business to a partner, a child, or sell it, we can help you document your wishes and make it legally binding through a succession plan or buy-sell agreement.

We’ll help you structure ownership and beneficiary designations so your personal and business affairs are managed separately — but efficiently.