Seminole Will Attorney

Everyone wants to leave a legacy for their family and friends. Having a properly executed will is an important part of creating that legacy. While many people put off making a will and other estate planning tasks, it is important to take action now before something unexpected happens and you are no longer able to make your wishes known.

Creating a will need not be difficult. But it does benefit from the experience of a Seminole will attorney. Knudsen Law is a full-service Florida estate and probate firm that assists clients in drafting and revising their last will and testament.

What You Need to Know About Making a Florida Will

Put simply, a will is a written document that spells out who should get your property after you die. A will serves a number of other functions. For example, a will nominates a personal representative (executor) to oversee your estate. And if you have minor children and the other parent does not survive you, a will can nominate guardians to care for those children until they reach adulthood.

Florida wills must follow certain statutory requirements, which include:

• The will must be in writing. Florida does not accept “oral” wills.
• The will must be signed by you, or someone acting at your direction.
• You must be of “sound mind” when you sign the will.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must sign the will in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must also sign the will in the presence of one another.

You are always free to amend or revoke your will at any point during your lifetime. The will itself does not become “final” until your death. It is important to note, however, that any changes to a will must follow the same execution requirements described above. In other words, you cannot amend your will by simply crossing out sentences or writing in new provisions by hand.

Your will also only disposes of assets that are considered part of your probate estate. A Florida probate estate includes any property, or share of property, owned in your sole name. Property in a trust, jointly held with others, or that provide for transfer-on-death to a beneficiary do not pass under your will.

If a person dies without leaving a valid will, Florida intestacy law directs the administration of any probate estate. Intestacy law directs who has priority to be named personal representative of the estate, as well as the heirs who will inherit any estate property. The only way to override these statutory defaults is to execute a valid Florida will during your lifetime.

Contact the Seminole Wills Attorneys at Knudsen Law Today

Many people put off making a will until it is too late. Do not place yourself–or your family–in this situation. If you have questions about the process, it is best to speak with a qualified Seminole will attorney as soon as possible. Contact Knudsen Law today at (727) 398-3600 to schedule a consultation.