A will is a certain estate planning document that allows you to express your wishes for how your assets are to be distributed, and to whom, upon your unfortunate passing. To ensure that your communicated wishes are properly executed, you must disclose information that makes your will valid and enforceable in the state of Florida. Continue reading to learn the types of information that are required in your will and how an experienced Broward County wills lawyer at The Probate Lawyers can help you fill this out.
What types of information are required in my will?
You may be tempted to use a free, online tool to fill out your will. However, with such a tool, it is fairly easy to misphrase your desired wishes and ultimately alter how your will may be executed. What’s worse, your misconstrued directions may make your will entirely invalid and unenforceable. This is why it is undoubtedly recommended to use the services of a will preparation lawyer, instead. Without further ado, your lawyer may assist you in gathering and incorporating the following pieces of information into your will:
- Information regarding the executor to handle the financial, legal, and moral obligations of your estate upon your passing.
- Information regarding the guardian to watch over your minor children, adult dependents, and pets upon your passing.
- Information regarding the beneficiaries to inherit certain money, properties, and valuables upon your passing.
- Information regarding your mortgage and the deeds to your property.
- Information regarding the funeral and burial arrangements to be followed upon your passing.
- Information regarding the access to your lawyers, insurance agents, financial advisors, etc.
- Information regarding the access to your bank accounts, investment portfolios, and insurance policies.
Lastly, even if you incorporate all the above information, you will may still be invalid and unenforceable if you do not sign it in the presence of at least two witnesses. With this, Florida law also requires that your witnesses sign your will in your presence.
What should I do after I finish filling out my will?
Once you finish filling out your will and providing your signature, your job is not over yet. That is, it is your responsibility to store your will in a safe place, whether it be a safety deposit box, fireproof safe, or legacy drawer. Hand in hand, you should tell trusted individuals where and how they may access your will upon your passing.
In addition, it is your responsibility to go back and update or amend your will whenever you undergo a significant life change (i.e., you get a divorce, you welcome a new grandchild to your family, you come into a new inheritance, etc).
Even if you are just considering starting to draft your will, it is best that you first consult with a skilled Broward County estate lawyer. So please contact us at The Probate Lawyers today.
