Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Blog
REASONS TO HAVE YOUR FLORIDA WILL PREPARED:
IT’S YOUR WAY: You decide who inherits from you. If you die without a Florida Will the Florida’s intestacy statute directs how your property and assets are divided and distributed.
Florida intestacy laws DO NOT provide for non-family members. Unless you draft a Florida Will, your partner will not inherit from you.
YOUR CHILDREN: If you have minor children, you nominate who is to become their legal guardian (the guardian you choose will still have to be approved by the judge). However, your nomination will by duly noted by the court and receive priority if qualified.
YOUR NON-BIOLOGICAL CHILDREN: In order for your child to inherit from a non-legal or non-biological parent, that parent must prepare a will in Florida.
LEAVING TO CHARITY: You can give money or personal property to the charities of your choice; the state will not distribute your property to charity.
BELOVED PETS: You can provide for the continued care of your pet after you are gone.
FAMILY SQUABBLES: Reduce the risk of dissension by providing clear directions as to how you want your property distributed. (Ask us how a Florida Trust may reduce the risk further)
PARTNER BURDEN: If you pass away without a will, you leave a burdensome job to your Partner, Spouse or other Close Personal Friend. They are already mourning your death, don’t make this time more difficult as they settle your personal affairs.
FAMILY DISSENT: If your family has been non-supportive and disapproving of your same-sex relationship, preparing a valid will is important in the event of a will contest. A penalty clause for a will contest is unenforceable in Florida.
To learn about having your will prepared, or how a Florida revocable trust might benefit you, as well as how other legal documents will protect you, your partner and family contact me, a Jacksonville Beaches Estate Planning Attorney and let’s sit down and talk.