Wills

Jacksonville, Florida Will and Probate Lawyer

There are a number of reasons that so many Floridians pass away without a will (intestate). Maybe it's because they're young and can’t envision a day when they’re no longer with their family and loved ones. Perhaps it’s because they aren't wealthy and don't believe that it matters. Some people even believe that the law will disseminate their assets in a fair and just manner. But probably the biggest reason that most people haven't prepared a will is that they just haven't gotten around to it. The reality is that dying intestate almost always causes an unnecessary hardship for your survivors as they try to speculate as to what you would have wanted. A reputable estate planning lawyer—one like Joy N. Owenby, Esquire—can make the preparation of a will a relatively easy process.

What is a Will or Testament?

In Florida the terms "will" and "testament" are synonymous. A will is a document that appoints a person (the executor) to read, interpret, and execute the final wishes of the preparer with regard to property and other matters. A will/testament can be simple or very complex. By Florida law, a will must the following conditions:

• It must be in writing
• It must bear the testator's signature
• The testator's name must be subscribed at the end of the will by some other person in the testator's presence and by the testator's direction

Although the legal requirements of a will are minimal, there are a few reasons why you should have an experienced, knowledgeable estate planning attorney review your testament:

• There may be issues with your estate that you haven't considered—particularly where minor children are concerned.
• The attorney will maintain a copy on file in the event that your family can't locate your copy.
• You may be trying to accomplish something in the will that is contrary to the law. In other words, parties who aren't mentioned in the will may still have claims to your estate.
• The will may not accomplish everything that you hope for without supporting documentation or instruments.
• There may be tax implications that you haven't considered.

When you meet with Joy N. Owenby, Esquire, she'll find out what you want to accomplish and how you want your estate distributed. Then she will make recommendations to make certain that you walk away with the peace of mind of knowing that your affairs are in order. To contact Attorney Owenby's Jacksonville, FL office call (904) 359-5115.

Joy N. Owenby serves clients who require representation in all estate planning matters in Jacksonville, Duval County, Clay County, Nassau County, Saint Johns County, Orange Park, St Augustine, Middleburg, and all areas of northeast Florida.