O'Brien Riemenschneider Wattwood & Cantwell PA

Estate Planning

The goal of the Estate Planning practitioners of O'Brien Riemenschneider Wattwood & Cantwell PA, is to provide clients with comprehensive and cost effective solutions to their issues concerning estate and trust planning and administration. The Firm provides advice to individuals on matters ranging from simple wills and trusts to complex estate plans that are geared toward minimizing estate and gift taxes. Regardless of the size of the estate, the primary focus of the Firm is to work with clients, their families, and their other professional advisors to facilitate the transfer of wealth in a manner that is consistent with each client's goals.

Through careful consultation with clients the Firm is often able to meet their needs by avoiding the costs and inconvenience associated with probate without the need for complex or costly estate plans. On the other hand, for clients with taxable estates, the Firm structures sophisticated plans and transactions with the goal of eliminating or minimizing the tax liability.

The Firm's lawyers understand the unique challenges facing the retirement community in Florida. In light of this, the Firm provides counsel on matters such as the preservation of assets, powers of attorney and health care surrogates, and guardianships with a special focus on the needs of the Firm's older clients. The Estate Planning process also encompasses advising clients on matters relating to social security benefits and Medicaid eligibility

For clients with family or closely held businesses, the Firm integrates corporate and individual planning practices to address estate planning needs while considering the overall business plan and family succession desires. Special attention is given to the structure of compensation arrangements, the use of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, and the implementation of stock purchase agreements.

The Firm handles all aspects of probate and trust administration. Probate services include, advising the designated personal representative, preparation of all estate related documents and fiduciary returns, representing estates in audit proceedings with the Internal Revenue Service, and tax planning for beneficiaries. Further, the Firm has represented beneficiaries in various types of proceedings including will contests and determinations of estate assets.

Attorney: James M. O'Brien