Necessity of Estate Planning – March 2, 2024

Necessity of Estate Planning

OurSeniors Radio host Julian G. Cantillo is honored to have guest speaker Andrew C. Grant, J.D., LL.M., BCS Tax.

My name is Andrew Grant.  I’ve been a licensed attorney for 26 years and practicing in the Volusia/Flagler area for almost 23 of those.  I am certified as a Tax Specialist by the Florida Bar. I currently work with Chiumento Law with offices in Ormond Beach and Palm Coast.  My practice focuses on tax and estate planning.

I was happy to talk with OurSeniors about the importance of estate planning for everyone, regardless of wealth, because everyone is likely to face the same issues as they get older.  Those issues include the need to have someone named in your legal documents to make decisions for you when you can’t, like making legal and financial decisions under a durable power of attorney, or making medical decisions for you under a designation of health care surrogate.  Everyone should have a will, too, so that your heirs know your wishes regarding what happens upon your death; who gets what from your estate and how to handle your remains.  Finally, if you want to make sure that when the time comes you are allowed to pass peacefully and not be hooked up to machines, then you need a living will stating that decision.

There are many more aspects of estate planning, and not everyone needs the same things.  That is why it’s important to get at least some basic information out there to raise awareness and hopefully spur folks to seek professional help in making sure their estate plan meets their needs.