Wills & Probate

Have a Will in Place for Peace of Mind

A Will is a document that specifies how you wish to distribute your assets to your beneficiaries after your death. In addition to specifying the distribution of property, a Will can also detail wishes regarding protection of inheritances by minor children or young adults. It is critical that your Will is created properly and in accordance with the legal requirements of the State of Florida, which has many requirements in order for a Will to be valid.

For example, there are specific guidelines in Florida Law regarding who can and cannot serve as your personal representative. Also, there are important requirements for what makes a Will valid, or “self proved,” that must be followed, or there could be a costly issue in Probate Court. A Will dispute can be a stressful and traumatic experience. You have just experienced the death of a loved one, and during this vulnerable time, a family member or friend may raise a challenge to an established Will.  This challenge may be intended to ensure that your now-deceased family member’s wishes are followed, but it can also, unfortunately, be raised in order to benefit the challenger. Our Estate Planning Attorney understands how to skillfully defend, manage, and even avoid a will contest, to help you have peace of mind during an already difficult time.

Probating a Will in Florida is a complex but manageable formal process of distributing assets from a person who has passed away to that person’s loved ones and family. Unfortunately, creditors and the IRS may make claims during this public process in efforts to be paid, possibly reducing beneficiaries’ inheritances. It is important for beneficiaries to fully understand their rights and responsibilities during Probate.

Probate requires a watchful eye over the process, to ensure that crucial deadlines are not missed and that the proper paperwork is filed with the court on time. Our Elder Law Attorney monitors this process, ensuring that your family member’s wishes are executed in the most efficient manner possible.

Our Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney helps clients in North Florida complete the requirements of Probate, including paying estate creditors and proper transfer of assets to beneficiaries. We pay close attention to all relevant details and potential disputes when closing out a loved one’s Estate and fulfilling wishes expressed in a Will in order to skillfully navigate the Florida Statutory process of probate. We are experienced in creating and probating wills in the greater Jacksonville area, inclusive of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties, and they are able to do so with the level of concern and sensitivity that you need during this challenging time.

If you need help with a will or probate please do not delay, and set an appointment with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring Elder Law Attorney at any our office located in Orange Park.

Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M.: Your Florida First Coast Elder Law Attorney.