Understandably, thinking about writing a will might seem like something you could easily handle on your own or with the help of an online tool. After all, it's about your stuff and who you want to have it when you're not around anymore.
You can write your own will, but the results may not be legit
However, diving into the process, especially in Florida, can reveal some tricky bits that make getting it right a bit more complicated than it first appears. Having an experienced estate planning lawyer by your side can be a game-changer, not just a luxury.
DIY will options
At its core, a last will and testament is like your final say. It lets you decide who gets what from the things you've worked hard to own, and if you have kids under 18, you can also have a say in who looks after them. Think of it as your ultimate peace of mind, knowing that even when you're not here, what you care about is taken care of.
Now, when it comes to putting that will together DIY-style, you've got a few paths you could take:
- Some folks might try to do it themselves — grabbing a form from a book or the internet, filling in the blanks, and hoping for the best. There’s an appeal there, for sure: it’s quick, and it’s cheap.
- Then, there are online services that offer what seems like a middle ground—a bit more structured guidance at a manageable cost.
But here’s the kicker: Without a solid understanding of Florida’s specific laws, it's pretty easy to miss something important or get something wrong. And unfortunately, "close enough" doesn’t always cut it when we're talking about a last will and testament.
Get it right with help from an attorney
At The Levy Firm PLLC, we get it — the idea of hiring a lawyer might sound like something only the wealthy need to worry about. But it's not about luxury; it’s about getting it right. A good estate planning attorney doesn’t just fill in the blanks on a template; they get to know you, your family, and your specific situation. They make sure the will does exactly what you want it to do - without any of the legal hiccups that could cause trouble later on.
One of the biggest perks of working with a lawyer is knowing that your will is going to hold up exactly how you want it to when it's needed. The right lawyer has the knowledge, experience, and comprehensive approach to estate planning that allows you to use the right language and meet all those specific legal requirements Florida insists on. This doesn’t just mean your wishes are clear; it means your family won't have to stress over legal details or disputes at a time when they’re already dealing with losing you.
Plus, lawyers can see the big picture. They might suggest options you hadn’t thought about, like setting up trusts for your kids or strategies to reduce any taxes your estate might have to pay. It's about making sure absolutely everything is buttoned up so nothing is left up in the air or to chance.
Finding the right estate planning lawyer for your Florida will
Choosing to work with a lawyer to get your will sorted out is really about making sure that what you want is what happens without putting an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. It’s peace of mind, plain and simple — not just for you, but for the people you care about most. And when you look at it that way, it doesn’t seem like such an “extra” step after all. It just makes sense. The Levy Firm PLLC can help you draft a will that ensures greater control over the distribution of assets and that your wishes are honored.
Take the first step in securing your future. Contact estate planning lawyer Geoff Levy for a free consultation.