Do I Need a Will in Place?

No matter your age or the condition of your health, it’s inevitable that there will come a day when you won’t be around for your family anymore. While this is understandably a difficult topic, it’s a crucial one when it comes to sorting out your estate and providing for your family after you are gone. Suppose you fail to draft a will before your death. In that case, the process of handling your estate can be much more difficult, expensive, and time-consuming for your family members. It’s also likely that your wishes won’t be honored.

By making an estate plan now, you can make an already difficult time easier on your loved ones. So it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced Tampa estate planning lawyer who can ensure you include everything you want in your will and that it will be enforceable when the time comes for your family to rely on it.

What Does a Will Cover?

A will is a legal document or a series of documents you can use to determine how your assets, such as property, bank account balances, business investments, and heirlooms or prized possessions, are distributed when you die. With a will, you can also direct assets to charities of your choice and choose someone to be in charge of executing your will—usually a spouse or family member. If you have minor children, you can also appoint someone who would become a legal guardian for them with a will.

Other documents included with a will allow you to determine who should make medical or legal decisions for you if you become incapacitated and cannot make or execute them yourself.

What if You Die Without a Will in Place?

After someone dies in Florida, their estate must go through the probate process. Not having a will in place can make this process much more complex and lengthier. If you die without a will, your spouse will inherit your assets. Your adult children would receive them if you don’t have a spouse. If you don’t have adult children, the probate court will determine who should inherit your assets—which can potentially be your parents, siblings, or other family members.

Remember to Update Your Will

As your Tampa estate planning attorney will likely tell you, a will isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it document. You should review your will about every year and when you have significant life changes such as:

• A death, birth, or adoption in the family
• The purchase or sale of a business
• The purchase or sale of a substantial asset
• Someone gets married or divorced

Ready to Start Your Will? Contact a Knowledgeable Tampa Estate Planning Attorney Today

The knowledgeable Tampa estate planning lawyers at Mickey Keenan, PA, are here to help if you are ready to start drafting your will. No matter how big or small your estate might be, we can help you understand all of your Florida estate planning options, ensuring that your wishes are honored after your death. Call 813-696-3232 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.