Estate planning and probate attorney for North Port, Florida families.
North Port is home to many new residents and newly built homes, and many families there are putting an estate plan in place for the first time. Attorney Season A. Chisholm helps North Port homeowners protect their Florida homestead and prepare a plan that reflects Florida law from the start.
Planning for newer Florida homesteads
If you recently moved to North Port or purchased a newly built home, two matters deserve early attention. First, the Florida homestead exemption must be applied for with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year for which it is claimed. Second, estate planning documents signed in another state should be reviewed, because Florida has its own requirements for wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
Estate planning for North Port families
For many North Port families, a will, a durable power of attorney, a health care surrogate designation, and a Lady Bird deed on the home provide a practical foundation. Parents of minor children can also use a will to nominate a guardian and a trust to hold assets until the children are older.
Meeting with Season
The Venice office is a short drive from North Port. Initial conversations can be held by phone or video, and documents are signed in person at the office. Probate for a North Port resident is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Sarasota County.
Nearby communities
Wellen Park, West Villages, and Warm Mineral Springs.
Questions from North Port families.
When do I need to apply for the Florida homestead exemption?
The application is filed with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. To receive the exemption for a given tax year, you must own the home and make it your permanent residence by January 1, and apply by March 1 of that year.
Are estate planning documents from another state still valid in Florida?
A will that was valid where it was signed is generally recognized in Florida, but other documents, particularly powers of attorney and health care directives, may not work as intended here. Spanski Law can review your existing documents and explain which ones should be updated.