Jacksonville Will Amendment Attorney

A will is one of the most important documents in your estate plan. It outlines how your assets will be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and helps avoid disputes among family members. But as your life changes—through marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or financial shifts—so should your will. Even minor changes can have major legal implications, which is why you must work with a qualified Jacksonville will amendment attorney.

If your life circumstances have changed and your current will no longer reflects your wishes, it may be time to consider a will amendment. At Owenby Law, P.A., our experienced Jacksonville will amendment lawyers are here to help you update your estate plan with accuracy, compassion, and legal precision. We understand that your estate planning needs evolve over time, and we're committed to ensuring your will keeps up with your life changes.

Call (904) 770-3141 or contact us online today to request an initial consultation.

Common Reasons to Amend a Will

At Owenby Law, P.A., we regularly assist clients in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas with amending their wills. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Marriage or Divorce: Getting married or divorced often changes how you want your estate distributed. In Florida, certain provisions may be automatically revoked upon divorce, but it’s still important to formally update your will to reflect new circumstances.
• Birth or Adoption of a Child: When you welcome a new child into your life—whether through birth or adoption—you’ll likely want to name them in your will and potentially designate a guardian or adjust distributions.
• Death of a Beneficiary or Executor: If someone named in your will passes away, you may need to amend the document to name a new beneficiary or executor.
• Change in Assets or Financial Situation: Significant changes in your financial portfolio, such as acquiring property or starting a business, often warrant a revision to your estate plan.
• Relocation: If you’ve moved to Florida from another state, it’s essential to ensure your will complies with Florida laws.
• Changing Relationships: Sometimes, personal relationships evolve and you may want to remove or add beneficiaries, or change fiduciaries like executors or guardians.

Whatever your reason for amending your will, our Jacksonville attorneys will ensure the process is smooth, legally valid, and tailored to your goals.

The Legal Process of Will Amendment in Florida

In Florida, a will cannot simply be edited with a pen or verbal agreement. You must follow specific legal procedures to ensure the amendment is valid and enforceable.

Codicil vs. New Will

There are two primary ways to amend a will:

• Codicil: This is a separate legal document that amends your original will. It must be executed with the same legal formalities as a will (i.e., signed in front of two witnesses).
• New Will: In many cases, drafting a new will is more straightforward and less confusing, especially if you are making multiple or significant changes.

At Owenby Law, P.A., our Jacksonville will amendment attorneys will help you decide whether a codicil or a new will is best for your situation. We'll ensure all documents are properly executed in accordance with Florida law.

Avoiding Mistakes

Improperly amending your will can lead to confusion, disputes, or your wishes not being honored. Common mistakes include:

• Not following Florida's witnessing requirements
• Contradictory provisions between your original will and amendments
• Unclear or vague language
• Failing to revoke previous versions
• We’ll make sure your amendment is crystal-clear and legally binding.

FAQs About Will Amendments in Jacksonville, FL

Can I amend my will without a lawyer?

While technically possible, it is not recommended. Florida law requires strict compliance with witnessing and signing rules. A small error could invalidate your amendment or cause legal complications. Working with a Jacksonville will amendment attorney ensures your wishes are upheld.

How often should I review or amend my will?

We recommend reviewing your will every 3–5 years or whenever a significant life event occurs (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth, death, financial change).

Can I revoke a codicil?

Yes. A codicil can be revoked by creating a new will or another codicil that expressly revokes the previous one.

Is a handwritten amendment valid?

No. Florida does not recognize handwritten (holographic) wills or codicils unless they are executed with the proper legal formalities—typed, signed, and witnessed correctly.

What happens if I don’t amend my will?

If your will no longer reflects your current wishes and you don’t amend it, your estate may be distributed in ways you didn’t intend. This can lead to confusion, hurt feelings, or legal disputes among your loved ones.

Why Choose Owenby Law, P.A.?

We take pride in helping individuals and families in Jacksonville secure peace of mind through thoughtful estate planning. Here’s why our clients trust us:

• Local Experience: We understand the unique legal landscape of Florida estate law.
• Customized Guidance: We listen to your goals and tailor solutions to fit your life.
• Compassionate Counsel: We treat every client with care, discretion, and respect.
• Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

Our Jacksonville will amendment lawyers are here to guide you with precision and integrity every step of the way.

Contact us today at (904) 770-3141 to get started.