Florida Wills - Requirements and Commonly Asked Questions

Often simply referred to as a will, a last will and testament is a legal document that controls how your property will be disposed of after you die. Like all other states, Florida has its own laws that govern how Florida residents can make a will. In this presentation we will learn about wills and its requirements in the state of Florida.

Transcript

1. FLORIDA WILLS Requirements and Commonly Asked Questions
2. What is a last will and testament?
4. Like all other states, Florida has its own laws that govern how Florida residents can make a will.
6. Wills are essential for every adult to make because they are the only legal document that allows you to make specific types of decisions.
15. However, if you live in another state one of the two following types of wills may be allowed. While some states accept other types of wills, you cannot make anything but an attested will in Florida.
16. Handwritten Wills A will in which you express your wishes verbally in front of witnesses. A will you make entirely in your own handwriting.
21. Age. The testator must be at least 18 years old in Florida. Sound Mind. This means you have to know the kinds of property you own and understand how the choices you make in your will affect that property.
24. Executor. After you die, a Florida probate court will have to determine if your will is valid. Through your will you can appoint someone who represents your interests during this process. This person is called an executor, or an estate administrator.
25. Guardian. You can also select a guardian if you have minor children. While your child’s other parent will still have parenting rights should you die, a court will have to appoint a guardian should both of you die.
29. Every competent adult in Florida has the . However, many people
33. It is especially important to create a will if you have minor children. If both of your child’s parents should die, a court will have to appoint a guardian.
39. Your Spouse. All spouses are entitled to receive at least a portion of your estate even if you forget to mention the spouse in your will.
43. 1. Codicil. A codicil is a written document you add to your will that changes some of its terms. Codicils must meet the same requirements as a will in Florida.
44. 2. Rewritten Will. If you want to make major changes it's best to completely rewrite your will. You have the right to change your will at any time, and you do not have to ask anyone’s permission to do so. All you have to do is make sure the will meets all Florida legal requirements.
46. Too many people fail to make a will because they do not like thinking about it, they believe they will have time to do it later, or for any number of reasons.
48. CREATE YOUR WILL AS SOON AS YOU CAN SO YOU CAN HAVE PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THAT IT IS THERE WHEN IT’S NEEDED.