It is generally advantageous for owners or prospective owners of real property in the United States to have an estate plan, or Last Will and Testament.
It is also helpful for landowners to supplement their own plans from their country with an estate plan that deals only with property in the United States. This may have some estate tax saving advantages. It is usual to have prepared a codicil (“amendment”) to the estate plan in place where the owner resides. This would only apply to property in the United States and only for property within the United States.
Another item that is of tremendous use is a Durable Power of Attorney. This document permits husbands and wives to transact business on behalf of their spouse in the event of the spouses absence or incapacity. It is used for banking, real estate and other business purposes. In a perfect world its use will not be necessary; however, when the need arises having such a Power of Attorney in place will save a great amount of expense and worry.
In Florida, the health care system is very different than in other countries. It is often necessary for the providers of health care services to consult with others in the case of the patient being incapacitated. The use of a Health Care Surrogate Designation Form is very helpful. With this document, the health care providers can consult with the designated party for advice and consent on treatment and other medical decisions.
Finally, some parties wish to have certain decisions made in anticipation of their final demise, such as whether or not life-prolonging procedures through mechanical means should be implemented in the event there is no prognosis for recovery. This is generally called a “Living Will.”
Universal Trust Group will refer you to a competent attorney in the United States, who can provide all these services at a reasonable cost.