Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it also comes with new responsibilities. While you may be focused on setting up a nursery or choosing a pediatrician, it is just as important to take steps that protect your child’s future and give you peace of mind.
The following is a general Florida-specific legal checklist for new parents to help them prepare.
Why Plan Ahead?
Sleepless nights, endless feedings, and adjusting to parenthood leave little time for paperwork. By planning in advance, you can avoid stressful decisions in emergencies and ensure your child is cared for no matter what happens.
Estate and family planning documents give you control and protect your loved ones from uncertainty. The earlier you get these documents in place, the more time you will have to focus on your new baby.
Legal and Financial Steps for New Parents in Florida
1. Create or Update Your Estate Plan
- Last Will & Testament and Preneed Guardian: Name guardians for your child if something happens to you and your spouse. Without a Will as well as Preneed Guardian, Florida law—not you—decides who raises your child and how your assets are distributed.
- Trusts: A Revocable Living Trust can help manage and protect assets for your child’s benefit and avoid probate delays.
- Annual Review: Revisit your estate plan regularly to keep up with life changes (additional children, new property, etc.).
2. Purchase Life Insurance
Life insurance helps ensure your child and spouse are financially secure if the unexpected happens.
- Term Life: Affordable coverage for a set period (e.g., 20 years).
- Whole Life: Permanent coverage that may build cash value over time.
Your estate planning attorney and financial advisor can recommend the best fit for your family.
3. Apply for a Birth Certificate and Social Security Number
Florida hospitals provide a birth registration form at delivery, where you can request a Social Security number. If you miss it, you can obtain both later through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.
4. Add Your Child to Your Health Insurance
Your baby is not automatically covered under your policy. Florida law allows a special enrollment period—typically 30 days from the date of birth—to add your child to your health plan. Check with your employer’s HR department or insurance provider to avoid coverage gaps.
5. Consider a Minor Child Power of Attorney &/or a Designation of Healthcare Surrogate for a Minor
If you rely on a grandparent, relative, or nanny, a Florida Minor Child Power of Attorney and/or Designation of Healthcare Surrogate for a Minor can grant them permission to pick up your child from daycare, make medical decisions in emergencies, or handle other care-related tasks.
6. Start Saving for College
With tuition costs rising, it is never too early to save. Florida offers a 529 Savings Plan and the Florida Prepaid College Plan, both of which provide tax-advantaged ways to fund your child’s education.
7. Take Advantage of Tax Benefits
Parents can claim:
- Child Tax Credit (subject to income limits).
- Dependent Exemptions (starting the year your child is born).
- Dependent Care Credit for daycare or after-school expenses.
Consult with a tax professional to maximize your benefits under federal and Florida law.
When Should New Parents Start Planning?
Ideally, before your child is born. In addition to a hospital birth plan, you may also want:
- Hospital Visitation Authorization to ensure your chosen visitors are allowed.
- Parenting Plan if you are co-parenting outside of marriage, which clarifies custody, support, and visitation expectations under Florida law.
The earlier you take these steps, the smoother your transition into parenthood will be.
Final Thoughts
Planning for your child’s future does not just protect your assets, it protects your peace of mind. From naming a guardian to securing health and financial coverage, these steps help ensure your baby is cared for no matter what happens.
The foregoing is a brief and general overview of the topic and the need for specific and experienced legal and tax advice is emphasized.
If you are a new or expecting parent in Florida, the estate planning attorneys at CASERTA & SPIRITI in Miami Lakes can guide you through creating a customized plan for your growing family.