WILLS, TRUST, & PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
It goes without saying the importance of a Will or Trust. Again, it goes without saying the importance of having these critical documents professionally prepared signed, witnessed, and notarized. The purpose of these documents is to protect and distribute assets to your loved ones, according to your wishes.
A will is a legal document that details your assets, including money, personal property, and real estate, and provides instructions for how you would like them handled after your death. A will names a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, to receive your assets and a personal representative who’ll be responsible for distributing them. A will is strictly concerned with what happens to your assets after you die and is subject to probate administration.
A living trust is a trust fund where your assets are held until a predetermined time, as well as the legal documentation that validates its status as a trust. The assets within it are distributed either upon your death or another date of your choosing. As with a will, a living trust names a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, and a trustee. A living trust typically allows you to bypass probate court and distribute your assets exactly how you wish.
Call today (727) 398-4496 for an appointment to determine which document would specifically meet your needs and express your wishes.
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A durable power of attorney is one of your most important estate planning documents. It gives an individual, your “attorney-in-fact,” power to manage your legal and financial affairs if you should become incapacitated. This gives you the assurance that your finances will be handled in the way you want. Should you lose mental capacity without a durable power of attorney, guardianship will need to be established. Guardianships are difficult, expensive, and may financially deplete your estate.
A durable power of attorney should only be prepared by an experienced attorney and not obtained from a stationary supply store or online. A good power of attorney that is carefully planned with, and by, an attorney can save your family great expense, time, and difficulties if suddenly thrown into the position of handling your affairs.
Contact the Law Office of Wesley R. Stacknik at (727) 398-4496, for a free consultation to further discuss the importance of a durable power of attorney.
PERSONAL INJURY & ACCIDENT CASES
When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident or other injury caused by another’s negligence or misconduct the Law Office of Wesley R. Stacknik is here for you.
If you have recently been in an accident and would like to know your rights and how you might be entitled to a settlement involving compensation, contact my law office today for a free, no-obligation consultation. I will personally review your situation and case, go over the outcome and details of the accident, and discuss legal options and potential settlement compensation with you. I believe that no two situations are the same. Each individual has his or her own case and situation, and each individual is impacted by an accident uniquely.
In working with clients in tough situations, they can make informed decisions, particularly those whose lives have been impacted severely by a recent accident.
Contact the Law Office of Wesley R. Stacknik at (727) 398-4496 to schedule a free consultation.
BANKRUPTCY
Most individual debtors file bankruptcy because of overextended credit card debts, large medical bills, and pending lawsuits or judgments. A combination of these factors can cause a person or business to seek bankruptcy protection.
Bankruptcy allows one to legally obtain a fresh start. Creditors cannot harass you, and lawsuits are generally stopped cold at the filing of bankruptcy. As in any court proceeding, an individual has the right to self-representation.
However, bankruptcy is a very complex area of law. There are many factors that go into the decision of which Chapter is appropriate to file. The right decision depends on an evaluation of your family status, your assets, your obligations, and other considerations. Bankruptcy is a very serious step that could affect you for the rest of your life.
An attorney is knowledgeable in the complexities of the law which make it very difficult for a debtor to successfully conclude a bankruptcy proceeding without the assistance of an attorney. The Stacknik Law firm will assist you every step of the way through the bankruptcy process.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY/INCOME
Do you need legal representation when filing for Social Security Disability and Social Security Income benefits? You are not required to have legal representation. However, any omission or error you make when filing a claim can further delay the process or perhaps even trigger an automatic denial.
The majority of people who apply for SSDI benefits have their claims denied initially, no matter how severe their disability is. The good news is that you can appeal that decision. With a lawyer’s help, your chances of obtaining benefits may be much higher.
The Stacknik law firm has the specialized knowledge and experience needed to help you file your claim correctly, completely, and on time and/or represent you at a hearing. We will walk you through the mounds of paperwork and red tape and provide you with competent representation.
DIVORCE/FAMILY LAW/CHILD CUSTODY
Ending a marriage can be a complex situation of interconnected problems. The outcome of a dissolution of marriage will include the division of assets and debts, awards of spousal support, awards of child support, and decisions on parental responsibility and/or time-sharing schedules. A decision in one aspect of your divorce will undoubtedly have a ripple effect in other areas.
The first step is to fully understand the circumstances of your marriage and family life considering your complete needs and objectives. Every divorce is serious and will affect individuals for the rest of their lives.
The Law Firm of Wesley R. Stacknik will provide legal guidance and will
be available to answer all of your inquiries. We will help you understand your options and what will be expected of you throughout the divorce action as we prepare you for a better future.
HOA Law & Disputes
If you live in a community governed by a homeowners’ association or condominium association, and if you are having difficulties with your homeowner’s association or condo association, I can help you.
Your HOA plays an important role in maintaining the value of your property.
An improperly run HOA can force your property value to drop and turn your life upside down.
Is your HOA failing to enforce the HOA’s governing documents; neglecting to make repairs to common areas, buildings, community pool, and roads; failing to manage the HOA’s finances; etc.?
Call the office of Wesley R. Stacknik at (727)398-4496 to discuss your situation and relationship with your HOA.
See .PDF added to Stacknik file