Introducing Our Will Packages: Complete Peace of Mind Without the Complexity
By Sean Gellis, Founding Attorney at Wakulla Legacy
Life in Wakulla County moves at its own special pace. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Wakulla Springs, fishing off the coast of Panacea, or simply enjoying our close-knit community, there’s a simplicity to life here that we all cherish.
That same simplicity should extend to planning for your family’s future.
Today, I’m excited to announce our new Will Packages at Wakulla Legacy — a straightforward approach to estate planning designed specifically for our neighbors who want comprehensive protection without the complexity of a trust.
“Do I Really Need More Than Just a Will?”
It’s a question I hear often in my Crawfordville office.
The truth is, a will alone leaves significant gaps in protecting you and your loved ones. A comprehensive estate plan isn’t just about who gets what after you’re gone — it’s about protecting yourself during your lifetime and making things easier for your family during difficult moments.
Our Will Packages address all these concerns with five essential documents, each serving a crucial purpose in your overall protection plan.
The Five Essential Documents Every Wakulla Resident Should Have
1. Last Will and Testament
Your will is the foundation of your estate plan, directing who receives your property and personal belongings after you pass. For parents of minor children, it’s also where you name guardians who would raise your children if something happened to you.
Why it matters: Without a will, Florida law — not you — decides who gets your property and who raises your children. Even worse, the probate process without a will can cause unnecessary expenses, delays, and family conflicts during an already difficult time.
Real example: Last month, I met with a Wakulla County fisherman whose wife had passed away without a will. Despite their verbal agreements about certain family heirlooms, without legal documentation, Florida law dictated a different outcome — one that created unnecessary tension among family members who were already grieving.
2. Durable Power of Attorney
This powerful document names someone you trust to handle your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. Whether it’s paying bills, managing investments, or dealing with insurance claims, your designated agent can step in seamlessly.
Why it matters: Without this document, if you become incapacitated, your family would need to petition the court for guardianship — an expensive, time-consuming process that could cost thousands of dollars and take months to complete.
Real example: One of my clients, a retired teacher from Sopchoppy, suffered a severe stroke last year. Because she had a durable power of attorney in place, her daughter was able to immediately access her accounts to pay her mortgage and medical bills without interruption. Her neighbor, facing a similar situation without this document, saw bills go unpaid and late fees accumulate while her family navigated the court system.
3. Designation of Healthcare Surrogate
This document names the person you want making medical decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself. It ensures the people you trust most are the ones making critical healthcare choices.
Why it matters: Without this designation, healthcare providers may be unable to discuss your condition with your loved ones due to privacy laws. In worst-case scenarios, family members might disagree about treatment, leading to conflict or even court intervention during medical emergencies.
Real example: A client’s father was admitted to Tallahassee Memorial with COVID complications last year. Because he had designated his daughter as healthcare surrogate, she was able to access his medical information and make informed decisions about his ventilator care when he couldn’t communicate. Their advance planning literally saved his life by ensuring timely, informed decisions.
4. Living Will
Your living will outlines your wishes regarding life-prolonging procedures if you have a terminal condition, end-stage condition, or are in a persistent vegetative state.
Why it matters: Without these instructions, your loved ones may face the emotional burden of guessing what you would want. Healthcare providers might also be legally obligated to use all available measures to prolong life, even if that wouldn’t be your choice.
Real example: One Panacea family I worked with shared how grateful they were for their mother’s living will. When she developed late-stage Alzheimer’s and then contracted pneumonia, her clearly documented wishes guided their decisions about treatment. “It was still the hardest decision of our lives,” her son told me, “but knowing we were honoring her wishes brought us peace during an impossible time.”
5. HIPAA Release & Authorization
This document allows healthcare providers to share your medical information with the people you designate, even before you become incapacitated.
Why it matters: Federal privacy laws (HIPAA) prevent healthcare providers from sharing your information without proper authorization. Without this document, your loved ones might be unable to help coordinate your care or even get updates about your condition.
Real example: A young fishing guide from St. Marks was in a boating accident last summer. His parents rushed to the hospital but couldn’t get any information about his condition without a HIPAA authorization. The additional stress and delay could have been avoided with this simple document.
Why a Will Package Instead of a Trust?
While trusts offer valuable benefits for some situations, many Wakulla residents find that a comprehensive Will Package provides the protection they need without unnecessary complexity.
A Will Package is ideal if:
- You want straightforward estate planning without complex asset protection strategies
- Your estate is unlikely to face federal estate taxes
- You’re comfortable with your estate going through probate (which is often simpler in smaller counties like ours)
- You want to keep costs reasonable while still getting comprehensive protection
Local Estate Planning for Local People
As a Wakulla County resident myself, I understand the unique needs of our coastal community. Your estate plan should reflect not just your assets, but your values and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Our Will Packages are designed specifically for Wakulla County residents, with:
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- Documents explained in plain English, not legal jargon
- Convenient appointments right here in Crawfordville
- Evening and weekend options for working families
- Personal service from an attorney who’s your neighbor
Ready to Protect What Matters Most?
Taking this step doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Our Will Package process typically involves:
- An initial consultation to understand your unique situation
- Document preparation tailored to your specific needs
- A signing meeting to execute all documents properly
- Secure storage options and easy access when needed
The peace of mind that comes from having these five essential documents in place is invaluable—not just for you, but for those you love most.
Contact Wakulla Legacy today to schedule your Will Package consultation. Because planning for tomorrow shouldn’t complicate today.
Sean Gellis is the founding attorney of Wakulla Legacy, a division of Gellis Law, PLLC dedicated to providing estate planning services to Wakulla County residents. The firm is located in the Harvey-Lentz Realty Group building in Crawfordville.
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