West Palm Beach Wills Attorney
Planning for the future involves making important decisions about your assets and how they will be distributed after you pass away. A will serves as a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding property distribution, guardianship of minor children, and other important matters. At Law Offices of Larry E. Bray, P.A., our West Palm Beach wills attorney, helps clients create legally sound documents that protect their wishes and provide peace of mind.
Creating a will might seem straightforward, but Florida law has specific requirements that must be met for a will to be valid. Our team guides you through this process with clarity and expertise. Contact our experienced West Palm Beach estate planning attorneys today to start securing your legacy.
Why You Need a Will in Florida
Many people delay creating a will, thinking they have plenty of time or that their estate is too small to warrant formal planning. However, passing away without a will (called dying “intestate”) means Florida state laws determine who receives your assets, potentially contradicting your wishes.
A properly drafted will offers several key benefits:
- Control over asset distribution
- Naming guardians for minor children
- Selecting an executor to handle your estate
- Potentially reducing family conflicts after your passing
- Streamlining the probate process
Florida has unique laws regarding homestead property, elective shares for spouses, and other estate matters specific to our state. These laws can significantly impact how your estate is handled if not properly addressed in your will.
Common Will Mistakes to Avoid
Our West Palm Beach attorneys frequently help clients correct problematic wills or create new ones that avoid these pitfalls:
- DIY wills: Forms found online often fail to address Florida-specific requirements or your unique circumstances, potentially creating problems for your loved ones.
- Outdated documents: Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant asset changes should trigger will updates.
- Improper execution: Florida requires wills to be signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign the document. Missing this formality can invalidate your entire will.
- Unclear language: Ambiguous terms can lead to family disputes and costly court interpretations.
Types of Wills Our Attorneys Draft
Our West Palm Beach legal team tailors will recommendations to your specific situation:
- Simple wills: Straightforward documents for those with uncomplicated estates.
- Pour-over wills: Work in conjunction with trusts to ensure any assets not already in your trust “pour over” into the trust upon your death.
- Testamentary trust wills: Create trusts within the will that activate upon your passing, useful for managing assets for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs.
Your Next Step
Estate planning does not need to be overwhelming. The Law Offices of Larry E. Bray, P.A. provides personalized guidance through every step of creating your will and other essential documents. We explain legal concepts in plain language and ensure your documents reflect your wishes while meeting all Florida legal requirements.
Your legacy deserves protection through properly drafted legal documents. Contact our experienced West Palm Beach wills attorneys today to schedule a consultation and gain the confidence that comes with having your affairs in order.
