Flagler Beach Wills Lawyer

Flagler Beach Wills Attorney

In coastal communities like Flagler Beach, where long-term homeowners, retirees, and new residents need to navigate the strict Florida requirements for estate planning, working with a Flagler Beach wills lawyer is crucial.

The Flagler Beach estate planning lawyers of The Preston Law Firm offer guidance to families and individuals for preparing, updating, and reviewing wills, ensuring they are in line with the client’s long-term wishes and goals.

A Growing Community With Unique Estate Planning Needs

According to 2023 Census Reporter data, Flagler Beach is home to 2,519 households, situated in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area, and sees continuous growth as well. With this growth comes an increasing necessity for a well-structured, robust estate plan. Considering the city’s median age of 58.8 years, many of these households include people who are either retired or planning to retire. This makes estate planning initiatives even more crucial.

Having a properly executed will and related legal documents can play a significant role in avoiding complications with probate, preventing conflict between family members, and making sure assets are transferred smoothly to heirs.

Rising Property Values Increase the Need for Planning

With the rising home values in Flagler Beach comes the importance of having a thoughtful estate plan. The median property value reached $496,800 in 2023, a 10.7% increase from the prior year. As real estate commonly makes up the largest part of an individual’s estate, wills should clearly state how that property should be distributed.

Whether a home should be transferred to a specific beneficiary, retained, or sold must be properly documented to avoid potentially complicated probate disputes. Without having a legally enforceable plan, beneficiaries can face disagreements, delays, and unexpected legal battles.

Florida’s Requirements for a Valid Will

Florida has strict statutory requirements for creating a will that is valid. A will needs to be written and signed by the testator, otherwise known as the person creating the will. Furthermore, it needs to be witnessed by two people who sign in the presence of one another and the testator. A handwritten will may be recognized in Florida, but it must follow specific requirements. The rules for these holographic wills are particularly strict and often a source of legal challenge. Oral wills are not acknowledged as legitimate in the state.

Considering the complex rules and requirements that not only come with creating a will, but also with all of the moving pieces of an estate plan, it’s important for Flagler Beach, Florida residents to work with a dedicated attorney.

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Why You Should Hire a Wills Lawyer

People who have business interests, considerable home equity, blended families, or many beneficiaries commonly need personalized, careful guidance. By choosing to hire a wills lawyer, you can ensure that your will is correctly executed and seamlessly integrates with other estate planning tools, such as healthcare directives, different trusts, and powers of attorney.

A comprehensive approach to estate planning can help reduce uncertainty and preserve harmony in the family. The Preston Law Firm has spent years helping Floridians craft and navigate processes associated with estate planning. We bring tailored services and attention to detail to each case to protect what matters most to you and your family.

FAQs

What Does a Flagler Beach Wills Lawyer Do?

A Flagler Beach wills lawyer assists with updating, creating, and adequately executing a will that is legally enforceable. The will should speak to your wishes for final arrangements, guardianship of dependents, and the distribution of your assets. A dedicated and experienced wills lawyer can also go over your broader estate plan to make sure that everything is in order, from incapacity documents to beneficiary designations to trusts.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Florida?

No, you do not need a lawyer to make a will in Florida, as this is not a legal requirement in the state. However, it’s highly recommended to work with an experienced legal professional when drafting life- and legacy-altering documents like a will. This is because Florida has strict rules when it comes to validity, witnessing, and signing wills, with even the smallest mistake potentially invalidating everything. A Flagler Beach lawyer can help ensure your will complies with complex state requirements.

What Are the Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Florida?

The legal requirements for a valid will in Florida are that it must be in writing and signed by the testator and two witnesses who were present at the time of the testator’s signing. If a handwritten will is not properly witnessed, then it is not valid. Oral wills are not recognized in Florida. By working with a knowledgeable wills attorney, you can be sure that the documents executed hold up in probate court.

How Often Should I Update My Will?

You should update your will after any major life changes, such as the birth or adoption of a child, a move to a new state, marriage or divorce, or any significant changes in equity or assets. As a general rule, wills should be reviewed every couple of years to ensure that they remain in line with your wishes and that they are both enforceable and accurate.

Can a Florida Will Avoid Probate?

No, enforcing a Florida will does not mean that the testator’s estate won’t go through probate. Alternatively, it provides clear guidelines on how those assets should ultimately be distributed. Because probate involves court oversight, it also comes with certain costs and fees that can impact the estate. There are other estate planning tools that can be used, such as beneficiary designations or trusts, in order to get around the probate process.

By working with a highly experienced Flagler Beach wills lawyer, you can understand whether certain strategies to avoid probate are right for your estate.

Protect Your Family’s Future With a Customized Florida Will

One of the most important legal documents that you will ever create is your will. Whether you want to draft a will for the first time or need to update an existing document, The Preston Law Firm has the required experience, guidance, and precision to help you get it done. We are here to help you plan with confidence to make sure you protect what matters.

Reach out to our Flagler Beach wills lawyer today to get started.