The Need for Estate Planning with Divorce

As a Ponte Vedra Family Law Attorney, I have found it is important that all couples considering a divorce also consider having an estate plan. Under Florida law, a surviving spouse is entitled to his or her intestate share of the estate unless a final decree of divorce has been entered. It is important to note that it is the entry of a final decree, not the petition for dissolution, which causes a divorcing spouse to forfeit the right to an estate. Thus, an untimely death prior to entry of a final divorce decree can result in the allocation of the surviving spouse’s assets to his or her deceased partner’s surviving heirs.

Another problem I often see is when a divorce brings wealth to a client who lacks experience managing it. Therefore, it is important for a divorcing spouse to meet with the type of professionals who can help him or her develop an estate plan. If you are considering a divorce, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to direct you to a Ponte Vedra Estate Planning Lawyer.