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Law Firm Providing Wills, Trusts, Powers Of Attorney And Advance Directives

A well-prepared estate plan gives you confidence that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes. The knowledgeable attorneys at Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., in Port Richey, can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that provides for your needs as well as those of your family and beneficiaries.

Our firm serves clients throughout Florida’s North Suncoast area, including Pasco County and surrounding counties. Attorney Wayne R. Coulter is a Florida Bar board certified specialist in wills, trusts and estates. Attorney Rebecca C. Bell is board certified in elder law.

The Importance Of A Will

In the absence of a will, the probate court follows Florida’s intestacy laws and may not distribute your property as you would prefer. If you have minor children or dependent adults, it is important for your will to designate:

  • A trustee to manage their assets
  • A guardian to assume custody

The law firm of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., ensures that your will addresses all critical issues of your estate.

Trusts To Meet Your Needs

Protect and direct assets according to your priorities by establishing a trust, such as the following:

  • Revocable living trusts
  • Irrevocable trusts
  • Generation-skipping trusts
  • Pet trusts
  • Charitable trusts
  • Special needs trusts

The Benefits Of A Living Trust

Living trusts are beneficial for most people who have reached retirement age and advisable for many people who have not. The primary advantages of a living trust are:

  • Avoidance of probate costs and delays
  • Management of assets in the event of incapacity without court supervision

Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., assesses your particular needs and objectives, preparing customized trust documents and helping you transfer assets into your living trust.

Alternatives To Living Trusts

A living trust may not be needed if your estate is small. You may be able to protect your assets from probate by using enhanced life estate deeds (also known as Lady Bird Deeds) and payable on death accounts.

The lawyers at Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., evaluate your assets and recommend strategies that will protect your assets and family most efficiently.

The Effect Of Inheritance On Government Disability Benefits

When you or a loved one has a disability and receives need-based government assistance, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, an inheritance can exceed the federal asset limits and result in the loss of benefits. You may need a:

  • Self-settled special needs trust
  • Third-party special needs trust

Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., recommends the special needs trust that is appropriate to your situation and helps you and your named trustee(s) properly administer it.

If You Become Incapacitated

You can create advance directives to indicate your wishes for your health care in the event you become incapacitated. Learn more about how the firm can help you prepare wisely for the future and meet needs that arise with living wills, durable powers of attorney and other aspects of estate planning and elder law.

Organize Your Affairs Carefully With Help From Knowledgeable Lawyers

For 60 years, lawyers of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., have helped people in Florida create effective estate plans. For peace of mind, reach out to our experienced attorneys. Call 877-815-4218 or reach us through our online inquiry form. Your initial estate planning consultation is free.