Recent Florida Law Changes Make having a Will More Important.

What happens if I die without a will in Florida?

Florida probate law has changed recently with regard to people who die intestate (without a will) and are married.

If you have no descendants, your entire intestate estate will go to your spouse. This does not typically include your home or other non-probate assets.

If you and your spouse have descendants, and your spouse has no descendants other than those which are common to you, then again your spouse receives your entire intestate estate.

If you have children from a previous relationship your spouse will only receive one-half of your estate. The same is true if your spouse has children that are not yours and you have some children in common.

If you own a homestead with your spouse then the spouse will receive the homestead outright. If your homestead was only owned by you then your spouse will receive a life estate or may elect to take 50% of the home as tenants in common with your children. If your spouse does not elect to take the 50% ownership then your children will receive the remainder of the home.

This new election that the spouse has can create some problems or unexpected results that can be dealt with by using a will or trust in Florida.