Tampa Estate Planning and Wrongful Death Attorneys
Planning an Estate After a Wrongful Death
Losing a family member in a car accident or another type of motor vehicle accident is tragic. When that person was the one who provided the majority of income for a household, the loss is can threaten the financial stability of your family. The lawyers at SMITH & STALLWORTH, Attorneys at Law, can help you collect compensation for your pain, suffering, funeral expenses and lost income as the result of wrongful death.
Setting up an Estate
Unlike in serious injury cases, wrongful death cases require more planning than simply arguing for a fair settlement in court. Because the car accident victim is not able to file suit against the negligent party, a family member must file suit and an estate must be created for the surviving family members.
If children are to receive part of the proceeds of a settlement, under Florida law a trust will need to be established. Trusts are very flexible financial tools, and can be tailored to the needs of an individual situation.
Trusts for children
- These may include setting up a trust fund for support of children or grandchildren.
- Substantial settlements to modest claims; Florida law requires a trust for awards to children in excess of $15,000.
- Structured Settlements Annuity: This financial instrument is used to create an income stream for a period of years, allowing tax-free payments to provide support for a family. It is essential that this instrument be in place before a settlement is accepted, as it cannot be created after the recipient has received the funds.
This process also entails the probate administration of the decedent's estate to determine the beneficiaries and distribute the property of the estate.
Choose the Right Lawyer
When dealing with difficult matters such as estate planning and litigation involving a wrongful death, it makes sense to hire an experienced lawyer with the skills and knowledge to effectively handle your case.
At SMITH & STALLWORTH, we have almost two decades of combined legal experience helping families seek compensation after the wrongful death of their loved one. We assist families in filing personal injury claims against insurance companies and creating a probate estate and handling the estate during the estate administration. We serve as aggressive advocates for families' during negotiations and in court.
If your loved one died in a fatal car accident, and you need legal help filing the insurance claims, contact the wrongful death attorneys at SMITH & STALLWORTH in Tampa, Florida. We can help your family collect the compensation you need and deserve.
If you need help establishing an estate in order to receive compensation after a wrongful death of a loved one, you need SMITH & STALLWORTH on your side. Contact us today for your free consultation!
We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 813-223-7799, or toll-free at 877-888-JURY (5879). When you call us, you will speak with an actual attorney, not an answering service.
