Law Office of Rhonda D. Zimmerman, Esq.
Making a will can be a difficult process from an emotional standpoint. Making sure that you have a valid will that reflects your current situation, assets and wishes will help you to feel more confident about the future and about how your property will be distributed to those you care about most. Many people feel they can simply prepare their own will online, however there are many risk associated with DIY wills. The following are some solid reasons to consider contacting a qualified Fort Lauderdale wills lawyer today.
Making a legally binding will requires careful attention to detail and legal procedures. The body of your will must contain some key provisions to be valid, including identification of the testator, the appointment of one or more executors, the identification of the document as a last will and testament and the specific and general bequests of property to the beneficiaries. All signatures must be witnessed and notarized in accordance with the regulations established by the state of Florida. Additionally, an attestation that certifies the authenticity of the document must be attached to the will to make sure it is legally binding. Working with a Fort Lauderdale wills lawyer is the best way to make sure that your last will and testament is legally binding and correct.
The requirement that wills must be witnessed and notarized allows the state of Florida to create what is known as a self-proving affidavit. This means that even if the witnesses or the notary is no longer available, the fact that the will is notarized in this way serves as proof that the will was witnessed properly and that it will stand up to scrutiny by legal authorities.
When someone dies without a valid will in place, the case is usually referred to probate court for adjudication. The courts will then decide how the assets of the deceased individual will be divided among the potential heirs. If you would like to have some say on how your estate is handled, working with a lawyer that specializes in wills in the state of Florida is the best and most practical way to deal with these issues and to make sure your wishes are respected when the time arrives.
Rhonda D. Zimmerman, Esq. specializes in elder law issues in the state of Florida. We handle will preparation, estate planning and many other matters that affect the elderly in our area. To learn more, give us a call today at (954) 822-7566 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.