We provide specialized winterization services to safeguard your pool during the off-season, and when spring arrives, we handle the thorough opening process.
We provide specialized winterization services to safeguard your pool during the off-season, and when spring arrives, we handle the thorough opening process.
A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan, serving as your voice after you’re gone. It provides clear instructions about who receives your property, who will care for minor children, and who will handle your final affairs. Without a proper will, Florida law—not your wishes—decides what happens to everything you’ve worked for. For Wakulla County residents, a will tailored to Florida’s unique legal requirements ensures your property passes according to your intentions while providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Creating a will isn’t just for the elderly or wealthy—it’s for anyone who cares about what happens to their property and loved ones. As your Wakulla neighbor and attorney, I provide personalized will drafting services that reflect your specific circumstances and wishes while ensuring full compliance with Florida law.
Creating your will begins with a conversation about your family, your property, and your wishes. I’ll guide you through important decisions—from selecting an executor to designating guardians for minor children. Your will is then carefully drafted to reflect your specific intentions and executed according to Florida’s legal requirements, ensuring its validity when it matters most.
A properly drafted will provides clear instructions about who receives your Wakulla property, from your family home to personal belongings with sentimental value. It allows you to name guardians for minor children and appoint a trusted person to handle your final affairs.
For Wakulla families with minor children, a will is particularly crucial as it’s the only legal document where you can name guardians. Without this designation, the court decides who raises your children without your input.
Yes, if you own any property or have minor children. Without a will, Florida law decides who receives your assets and who would raise your children—often not matching your wishes. A will ensures your voice is heard and your specific instructions are followed.
Every adult should have a will, regardless of age. For young Wakulla families with children, a will is essential for naming guardians. For established adults, it ensures your property passes according to your wishes. The best time to create a will is now, before it's needed.
Florida's "intestate succession" laws will determine who receives your property. For married people with children from a previous relationship, this can create particularly complex situations. Your property may not go to whom you would have chosen, and the court will decide guardianship for minor children.
While legally possible, DIY wills often fail to address Florida's specific requirements, particularly regarding homestead property. Many homemade wills are found invalid when needed most. As your local attorney, I ensure your will complies with all Florida legal requirements and truly accomplishes your goals.
Review your will after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death, significant property purchase) or every 3-5 years. Florida law changes periodically, and your will should adapt accordingly. Moving to Florida from another state is always a good time to review your estate documents.
Florida has unique restrictions on how you can devise homestead property in your will, especially if you have a spouse or minor children. These restrictions can override your will's instructions. As your Wakulla attorney, I ensure your will properly addresses these homestead provisions to prevent unintended consequences.
While technically valid if properly executed in another state, your out-of-state will likely doesn't account for Florida's unique laws—particularly regarding homestead property. A review and update is strongly recommended after becoming a Florida resident.
In Florida, a will must be:
A self-proving will includes special notarized language that makes it easier to admit to probate after death. This can save time and expense for your family. All wills I prepare for Wakulla residents include self-proving affidavits.
The process typically includes:
Most wills can be completed within 1-2 weeks from our initial consultation to the final signing. I offer flexible scheduling for Wakulla residents, including evening and weekend appointments when needed.
Simple wills start at $350 for individuals and $600 for married couples (mirror wills). These flat fees include consultation, document preparation, proper execution, and digital copies.
Our Wills Package includes a Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Surrogacy, and Living Will and starts at $1000 for individuals and $1800 for married couples.
Basic information includes:
Ensuring safet
Your will is the only legal document where you can name guardians for minor children. We'll discuss your options for both physical guardians (who raises the children) and property guardians (who manages assets for them). This is especially important for Wakulla's young families. on a construction site is crucial to protect workers
Yes, with some limitations. Florida law provides certain protections for spouses that cannot be overcome by a will. We can discuss legal strategies to accomplish your goals while working within Florida's legal framework.
Blended families require special consideration, particularly regarding homestead property and balancing responsibilities to current spouses and children from previous relationships. I help Wakulla's blended families navigate these complex situations with thoughtful planning.
While you can include funeral wishes in your will, a separate funeral directive is often more practical, as the will may not be located immediately after death. I can help you create both documents to ensure your wishes are known and honored.
A will directs asset distribution after death and requires probate court oversight. A trust can manage assets during life and after death, potentially avoiding probate and offering greater privacy and control. Both have different advantages we can discuss based on your specific situation in Wakulla County.