At The Edwards Law Firm, we take great pride in providing clients in Duval County, Florida with services related to estate planning and elder law. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is committed to providing you with a high level of service, regardless of what type of help you require.
From creating an estate plan to implementing strategies for protecting your assets, you know that we will be on your side from start to finish. It can be difficult to answer the most important questions on your own, which is why our attorneys and staff are here to provide you with the guidance you need.
We Help Residents of Duval County, FL
It does not matter if you live in Duval County or a surrounding area, you know that this is one of the best places in the state to call home. As part of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area, the county has one of the largest populations in Florida. Despite the approximately 900,000 residents, residents never feel cramped. Other key details associated with Duval County include:
- The county was established in 1822.
- It is named after William Pope Duval.
- It covers a total area of 918 square miles, with 762 of those miles being land.
Over the years, a growing number of people have moved to Duval County. This goes a long way in showing just how much the region has to offer.
Duval County
Although Duval County has a lot to offer its residents, you need to go back in time many years to understand where everything started. Believe it or not, the area was home to many indigenous peoples for thousands of years. From there, Europeans arrived in what is now known as Duval County. This led to the famous 16th century colony of Fort Caroline, as well as the 18th century establishment of Cowford. The latter is extremely important, as Cowford later changed its name to Jacksonville.
As a county, Duval County is home to many communities. The top five in terms of population include:
- Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Neptune Beach
- Baldwin
While the residents of Duval County are familiar with the finer details of each community, it is important to remember that the region also attracts millions of tourists every year. Not only is the county easy to reach by automobile, but there are four airports that serve the area:
- Jacksonville International Airport
- Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport
- Herlong Recreational Airport
- Cecil Airport
While Jacksonville International Airport is the largest, serving customers from all over the world, the other three go a long way in ensuring that travelers can get in and out of the area in a timely and efficient manner.
The Duval County Senior Community
Did you know that the median age in Duval County is 35.8 years? How about the fact that approximately 11 percent of people are age 65 or older? On the surface, the senior population may appear small. However, it is anything but that when you take into consideration how many people live in the county. Based on an overall population of approximately 900,000 people, the number of individuals age 65 or older would be somewhere in the 100,000 range.
There are many reasons for the growth of the senior population in Duval County, including the fact that it is one of the most beautiful places to live. Along with this, the weather is warm year round, which is something that retirees are extremely interested in.
Finally, seniors in the area have access to a variety of housing options. From single family homes to townhouses, from condos to apartments, there is something for anybody who wants to live in the area.
Estate Planning and Elder Law in Duval County
Even if you are among the many Duval County residents in your 30s, remember this: it is never too early to create an estate plan. While you may think you have plenty of time, you do not want to get behind the eight ball. At our law firm, we work with people of all age groups to ensure that everyone has an estate plan they are comfortable with.
Along with creating a will or trust, we provide a variety of other services. For example, we can help you better understand the Medicaid system and how to improve your chance of receiving benefits. Our attorneys help Duval County residents with all aspects of estate law, including:
- Develop the right type of estate planning strategy, based on your personal and financial wants and needs.
- Create a strategy to help your family avoid probate upon your death.
- Protect assets against nursing home costs and creditors.
- Take care of minor children in the event that you and your spouse pass on before they reach the age of 18.
- Prepare for retirement, which includes a review of your finances to help you reach both your short and long term goals.
- The creation of advanced directives, as these ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event that you are incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions.
There is no denying that estate planning issues can be complex. This can lead you to a variety of questions and challenges, all of which need to be addressed without delay. Our legal team will never leave you in the cold. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with the tools and advice you require to protect your assets and your family.
Contact Us Today!
Regardless of your age or what you hope to accomplish, if you live in the Duval County, Florida region and have estate planning questions, we want to hear from you. It is time that you take hold of your situation, as this will give you peace of mind. At The Edwards Law Firm, we are available to take your call or answer your email at almost any time of the day. Reach out online or by phone at (904) 215-3550. From there, we can schedule an appointment.
