Serving Northwest Florida Families For More Than 20 Years

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FAQ

Ryan M. Mynard, Attorney at Law, P.A., has been helping families in Northwest Florida achieve their goals for more than 20 years. Here we’d like to answer some frequently asked questions:

What geographic areas of Florida does your firm serve?

Our offices are in Crestview, and many of our clients live or own property in Okaloosa County or Walton County. However, we work with clients across Florida, especially in matters of estate planning, probate and real estate law.

Do I need more than a will in my estate plan?

Every person’s situation is different, so it’s important to have an estate plan that matches your specific circumstances. A will is certainly a foundational document in any estate plan, but you should also consider powers of attorney and designating a healthcare surrogate. These documents can clarify your wishes and alleviate burdens for your family.

If your goals include passing wealth to family members or minimizing estate taxes, you should consider whether a trust (or multiple trusts) would be beneficial to you and your loved ones. It’s also important to update your estate plan if circumstances change, as with a major life event like marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.

Do I need to establish guardianship of a loved one?

It may become necessary to establish guardianship if an elderly loved one is no longer able to make sound medical or financial decisions. It may also be necessary to establish guardianship if you have a family member with a disability. The person who is assigned guardianship is able to make decisions on behalf of the elderly or disabled loved one. Guardianship is court-supervised and closely regulated, so it’s important to consult with a guardianship attorney.

Note: The need for guardianship may be avoided by creating durable powers of attorney and designating a healthcare surrogate.

Why do people need guidance through probate?

It’s important to have an experienced probate lawyer on your side to ensure that matters are handled correctly and in a timely manner. The probate process can be time-consuming and costly — and the grief of losing a loved one often makes these burdens heavier. We can help alleviate your burdens by protecting your family’s interests and handling all probate matters on your behalf.

Skilled guidance through the probate process can also help prevent or minimize family disputes. If you have questions about probate, we would be honored to speak with you. We handle probate and estate administration for families in counties throughout Florida.

Is it possible to pass wealth to heirs outside of probate?

Yes. An effective way of doing this is to create a trust. There are many different kinds of trusts, so it’s important to choose one that fits your specific situation.

Schedule An Appointment

To arrange a consultation regarding your goals and concerns, please call us in Crestview at 850-634-4656 or contact us via email. We provide compassionate, forward-thinking solutions to families throughout Northwest Florida.