Things to Know When Writing Your Will
When drafting your estate plan, your will usually provides the foundation for it. Writing a will has many benefits. You can name the beneficiaries who will receive your property, name a guardian for your minor children, and more. However, there are very important things to remember when drafting your will to ensure the courts will uphold it and that your final wishes are respected. Below, our Tampa wills lawyer explains what these are.
What Should You Include in Your Will?
Everyone’s life is unique and as such, so are their wills. Although you may include certain distinct provisions in your will, all of these documents typically contain the following:
- Your basic information, such as your full name and address
- The name of your personal representative who will carry out your wishes and follow the instructions after you pass away
- The name of the person you designate as guardian for your minor children
- The names of your beneficiaries
- How you would like your property and investments to be distributed to your beneficiaries
- Your signature
- The signatures of two witnesses
- The date the document was signed
Legal Requirements for Wills in Florida
In order to be enforceable, all wills in Florida must meet certain requirements. These include:
- All wills must be in writing. Oral wills are not recognized in Florida.
- All wills must be written by a competent person who is of sound mind and at least 18 years old.
- All wills must be signed by the testator, or person writing the will, and two signatures. These signatures must be done with the testator and both witnesses present.
A Tampa wills lawyer can ensure your document meets the legal requirements and guide you through the process.
Steps to Follow When Preparing a Will
There are many steps involved when preparing your will. These include:
- Listing your property including vehicles, real estate, life insurance policies, bank statements, family heirlooms, investments, and other property.
- Determine who your beneficiaries are and what property you want them to receive after you pass away.
- Name the personal representative who will administer your estate after you pass away.
- Ensure your will meets the legal requirements.
After you have drafted your will, it is important to review it periodically to determine if changes are necessary. You should review your will after any major life event, such as birth, death, marriage, or divorce. Even without these major life events occurring, it is recommended that you review your will every three to five years.
Our Wills Lawyer in Tampa Can Help with Your Estate Plan
Creating a will is often the first step when creating an estate plan. At Messina Law Group, P.A., our Tampa wills lawyer can draft your document, ensure it meets the legal requirements, and advise on the other tools that you may want to include in your estate plan. Call us today at (813) 492-7798 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html
