Kristy Branch Banks, P.A.

05/16/2024

A revocable trust is a legal entity that allows the grantor (person who created the trust) to manage assets during their lifetime. Here’s how it works:
1. Flexibility: The grantor can change instructions, remove assets, or even revoke the trust during their lifetime.
2. Avoiding Probate: Unlike wills, revocable trusts bypass probate court, ensuring smoother asset distribution, avoiding the time and expense of probate.
3. Beneficiaries: After the grantor’s death, the trust may become irrevocable, assuring the transfer of assets to the grantor’s intended beneficiaries.
4. Principal and Beneficiaries: Upon grantor’s death, the successor trustee, designated by the grantor, manages the trust’s assets (the principal) and distributes them to the grantor’s designated beneficiaries.

Keep in mind that while revocable trusts offer advantages, they do have upfront costs and don’t replace the need for a will. However, the cost should be far less than the expense of just opening a probate estate and grantor has the peace of mind in knowing their intended beneficiaries will ultimately receive the inheritance grantor intends for them to receive.

Call our office at 850-999-5806 to make your appointment to talk about which type of estate planning is right for you.

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04/29/2024

Although estate planning often is viewed as a concern for older individuals with substantial means, it is a subject that any adult at any age needs to address. Even if your assets are limited to a residence, bank accounts, and perhaps an IRA or 401(k) account, you want to be sure that the people you wish to receive them do indeed become their owners and that your plans are executed with the greatest efficiency and least expense possible.

If you'd like to discuss the right option for you, please give us a call for a consultation. 850-999-5806

03/15/2024

We are proud to announce that Kristy Branch Banks, P.A. was awarded the President's Circle Award from Attorney's Title Fund Services, LLC as one of the top 100 producing title agencies in Florida. Kristy Branch Banks, P.A. was also number ONE in the 2nd Judicial District of Florida for title insurance policy remittance.

A big congratulations to our closing team!

Backed by the strength of Old Republic Title, Attorneys' Title Fund Services, LLC (The Fund) promotes and facilitates the real estate practices of our Members in their protection of the public. More than 4,000 Members throughout Florida rely on us for next-level residential and commercial title services, best-in-class legal education, and practice-enhancing resources.
For more information, visit thefund.com.

02/15/2024

Tips to Avoid Probate
Do you want to leave your real property to someone without them having to go through probate? Florida is one of the few states that allows Enhanced Life Estate Deeds (sometimes called Ladybird Deeds). This particular type of deed allows you to maintain ownership, control and homestead exemptions (when applicable) throughout your lifetime. You may sell, mortgage, or change the deed at any time, however, if you still own the property at the time of your death, ownership of your property transfers to those named in the deed without the need for probate.

To find out if a Ladybird deed is right for your situation, please call our office to schedule an Estate Planning consultation.

02/02/2024

Meet Our Team:

Kristy Branch Banks
Attorney Banks is a native of Franklin County. After graduating High School in Apalachicola, Florida, Kristy obtained her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from Florida State University in 1992 and worked as a Florida real estate brokerage manager between 1994 – 1998. Earning her law degree from FSU College of Law in 2001, she served for six years as corporate legal counsel for a large North Florida real estate brokerage firm and developer. Attorney Banks opened her solo law firm in Franklin County Florida in 2007 and is currently focused on providing services in the areas of real estate law, title work and loan closings, estate planning, and probate.

Lindsay Shepard
Lindsay moved to Franklin County in 1998 after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in International affairs and Political Science. Taking over the Brokerage Manager position at the same real estate firm Attorney Banks had left to pursue law school, Lindsay remained in the real estate industry for 10 years. When her son became of school age, Lindsay went back to school for her teaching certificate and taught at Apalachicola Bay Charter School for 12 years. Lindsay went back into the real estate industry working for Attorney Banks in 2019 as a real estate closer and has remained there since.

Brant Banks
Brant moved to Franklin County in 1996 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and History from East Carolina University then a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Florida State University. Brant became a managing partner of the popular St. George Island restaurant Finnis until its closure in 2004, then working as a Vacation Rental Manager for a local real estate firm through 2007. Brant went to work as a middle school teacher for Apalachicola Bay Charter School teaching language arts, world history, American history, civics, and government. In 2021 Brant came to work for Attorney Banks as the Office Manager.

Erin Mason
Erin grew up in her father’s bait and tackle store in Englewood, Florida. She and her husband, a chef from Ft. Walton Beach, owned and operated a fine dining restaurant in Rosemary Beach. After selling the restaurant, Erin and her husband traveled the U.S. together and lived in Boston for a year. While in Boston, she worked at the Social Law Library, the oldest law library in America. After two years away from Florida, her children, and grandchildren, in 2023, Erin and her husband moved back to Apalachicola permanently. Erin earned her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from the University of Cincinnati. She started as a Paralegal with Kristy Branch Banks, P.A. in April 2023 and focuses primarily on Estate Planning and Probate.

01/25/2024

Interest rates are falling which means you could save thousands over the life of your loan and reduce monthly payments when you refinance. Fixed interest rates hit a high of almost 8% in October of 2023 and have reduced to 6.69% since the beginning of 2024 and are projected to go even lower. Have you thought about refinancing? We work with many lenders to ensure the closing process is a smooth one. Call us for a quote on closing costs or for any questions you may have regarding the process. 850-670-1255

01/19/2024

Hello Everyone! We are excited to share weekly information on the real estate closing process and estate planning. Kristy Branch Banks, P.A. is a full service closing attorney and provides estate planning for anyone in Florida and has been doing so for 17 years. Thank you for following!