Miami, Fla. – Carlton Fields’ Miami Shareholder, Eileen Trautman, was recently featured in a Q&A by Seniority Matters entitled, “Estate Planning: What are you Waiting for?” Trautman, who practices in the area estate tax planning, shared tips on:

- why people should consider estate planning sooner rather than later
- whether everyone should have an estate plan
- simple estate planning

Trautman told Seniority Matters, “Estate planning is a process that ensures that your assets are transferred on your death in the manner and in the amounts you desire, rather than relying upon state law to make those determinations for you. What many people don't realize is that a tax-saving estate-planning technique will yield greater benefits the longer you live, so someone who is 60 will have greater estate-tax savings than someone who puts the same technique in place at age 75. So it is never too soon to consider estate planning.”

She also said that there is no reason to fear the process of estate planning, that it is similar to other important financial decisions. “Estate planning is a balancing process. You must weigh your personal concerns and current financial needs against your desire to minimize taxes. The important thing is to find an advisor you trust and start working on your plan.”