Why Contact A Lawyer Before Drafting Your Will?
There is no law in Florida that requires you to work with a lawyer when drafting your will. It is not uncommon for people to want to avoid working with an attorney in an effort to save money. This is particularly true due to the fact that there are so many do-it-yourself templates online. However, using these templates can result in mistakes that may cost you and your family significantly in the future. Below are some of the biggest benefits of contacting a Daytona Beach wills and trusts lawyer when drafting legal documents.
Ensure it is Valid
The templates online are simply forms that require you to fill in the blanks. They do not provide legal advice, or ensure that your will is valid. A lawyer will not only draft your will but also make sure it meets the requirements under state law. For example, a lawyer can ensure you sign your will, and that it is signed by two witnesses in the presence of each other.
Reduce Probate Time
Contrary to what many people think, a will alone does not help your family avoid probate. Probate is an expensive and time-consuming process and it can also reduce the overall value of your estate and ultimately, your family’s inheritance. In addition to helping you write your will, a lawyer can also advise on ways to minimize the amount of time spent in probate, or avoid it altogether.
Ensure Your Children are Cared For
If you have minor children, it is even more important that you work with a lawyer when drafting your will. If your will is not drafted properly, the court may void it and your estate will be subject to the intestate succession laws in Florida. A lawyer will make sure your will is drafted properly, so your children are cared for in the manner you wish, and they receive the property you intend to leave them.
Ensure Your Spouse Receives Long-Term Care
If your spouse requires long-term care during your lifetime, working with a lawyer when drafting your will is also particularly important. If you simply leave an inheritance to your spouse in your will, it could threaten the care they are receiving. Many people rely on government programs such as Medicaid to pay for the high cost of long-term care and only people with limited resources are eligible for it.
Leaving your spouse an inheritance in your will can put their resources above the threshold allowed by Medicaid. The long-term care facility may take their entire inheritance, and Medicaid may stop providing benefits, leaving your spouse without the care they need. Instead, a lawyer can help you draft a will and trust to ensure your entire family is protected.
Call Our Wills and Trusts Lawyer in Daytona Beach Today
The above are just a few of the benefits you will receive when working with a Daytona Beach wills and trusts lawyer. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our experienced attorney can help you draft an estate plan that will achieve your goals and protect your family now and in the future. Call us today at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advice you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html
