SJF Law Group Peace-of-Mind Checklist

If you’re going to do this, you need to do it RIGHT! Many people turn to DIY kits, online templates, or reduced-fee legal services to save money upfront. The reality is that these options are often incomplete, outdated, or not legally sound for your specific situation, leading to far greater costs later in terms of money, time, and unnecessary stress for your family. A comprehensive estate plan requires guidance from an experienced law firm that understands not just how to draft documents, but how those documents function when they are actually needed.

So how do you choose the right firm? For most individuals, especially those without firsthand experience navigating probate, trust administration, or incapacity planning, the decision often comes down to price. If it seems affordable and appears to cover the basics, it may feel like the right choice. However, cost alone can be misleading. Even some law firms produce estate plans that are inexpensive and easy to sign, but difficult, inefficient, or even ineffective when it comes time to administer them. What matters most is not how simple the process is today, but whether your plan will perform as intended when your family relies on it. Our focus is on creating estate plans that are not only properly designed but also fully functional when they matter most. The goal is clarity, efficiency, and protection for your loved ones, both now and in the future.

The SJF Law Group Peace-of-Mind Checklist is our guarantee that our estate plans work! Below is a checklist of what to look for when choosing an Estate Planning Law Firm.

What to Look for in an Estate Planning Firm

How SJF Law Group Measures Up

What percent of their practice is focused on estate planning? (This should be at least 50%)
Focus on Estate Planning – SJF Law Group’s cases are 80% estate planning.
Do they also handle probate cases or estate administration? (If they don’t know how these documents get interpreted by courts and financial institutions when you pass away, then they shouldn’t be drafting them.)
Probate & Estate Administration Experience – SJF Law Group has 26+ years of experience handling probate administration cases all over Florida.
Will they guide you on arranging bank accounts and designating beneficiaries for life insurance, retirement, and investments?
Guidance on Financial Accounts & Beneficiaries – Because the way your bank accounts and beneficiaries are set up override what your Will or Trust state, it’s crucial to ensure they coordinate with your plan. SJF Law Group offers comprehensive guidance.
Will they help you get your documents signed properly so they work?
Assistance with Document Signing – It is crucial that Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorneys are signed in accordance with Florida law or else they won’t work! SJF Law Group provides in-house notaries and witnesses for in-person signings and can also coordinate secure remote signings, ensuring all legal requirements are properly met.
Do they provide you with originals and electronic copies of your signed documents?
Provision of Original & Electronic Documents – SJF Law Group provides original and digital copies via a secure client portal.
Do they have a disaster plan in case of the owner’s death, sale, or retirement, ensuring continuity for updates and family needs?
Disaster Plan for Firm’s Continuity – SJF Law Group has multiple attorneys and emergency plans for ongoing client support.
Do they provide periodic reviews of your plan to make sure it is still in line with your wishes and any changes in the law?
Annual Complimentary Estate Plan Reviews – Once a year, SJF Law Group will confirm that your existing documents still reflect your wishes, discuss any significant life or financial changes, and determine whether updates may be advisable.
Do they have deep knowledge of estate, gift, and income tax strategies to help minimize tax exposure and structure complex estates properly?
Advanced Estate Planning & Tax Expertise – Our attorneys bring advanced tax expertise to estate planning, including Master of Laws (LLM) degrees in Estate Planning, an advanced legal degree focused specifically on sophisticated estate and tax planning strategies.
Will they draft and ensure the filing/recordings of deeds, such as a revocable living trust?
Filings of Deeds for Trusts & Real Estate – SJF Law Group ensures proper drafting and recordings of deeds in Florida, with connections for out-of-state properties.
Will the firm provide a clear, organized system that keeps all your estate planning documents together, so your loved ones know exactly where to find them?
Signature Blue Estate Planning Binder – Every SJF Law Group client receives their estate plan in our signature blue estate planning binder, designed to keep all important documents organized and accessible in one place.
When you call the office, will a live person answer the phone and help you, or will you be routed through voicemail systems and delayed responses?
Fast & Responsive Communication – When you call our office, a live team member answers the phone and is ready to assist you.
What steps does the firm take to safeguard your confidential personal and financial information, including digital files, communications, and client records?
Secure Data Protection – At SJF Law Group, we take data privacy and IT security seriously. Our firm uses secure systems and professional safeguards designed to protect client communications, documents, and digital records.
Does the firm offer a guarantee that gives you confidence in the quality of their work and the service you receive?
100% Money-Back Guarantee – We stand behind the quality of our estate planning services. If you are not satisfied with your experience during the planning process, we will work to make it right or refund your fees.

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