Maitland Wills Lawyer

Why a Florida Will Still Matters

The Florida Bar states that every person who owns property and wants control over how that property passes after death should have a will. Florida probate law also distinguishes among formal administration, summary administration, and a limited non-court-supervised procedure for certain personal property situations, which shows why advance planning can reduce confusion later.

For many families in Maitland, FL, a will can:

• Direct who receives estate assets: A will states who should inherit your property instead of leaving distribution to the Florida intestacy law.
• Nominate a personal representative: You can name the person you want to manage the estate and handle probate responsibilities under Florida’s probate procedure.
• Name a guardian for minor children: Parents can identify who they want the court to consider for the care of their children through a properly prepared will under Florida wills law.
• Reduce disputes over personal property: Clear instructions can limit conflict over household items, family property, and inheritance expectations.
• Coordinate with trusts and beneficiary designations: A will can work alongside other estate planning documents as part of a larger plan.
• Support broader Florida estate planning and administration goals: The document can reinforce long-term planning for property transfers, family protection, and probate preparation.

Florida courts continue to process a high volume of probate matters. The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator reported 141,166 circuit probate filings and 139,025 dispositions statewide for fiscal year 2024-25, with the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola Counties, showing substantial probate activity.

How Veliz Katz Law Prepares Wills for Your Estate

A will should reflect the person, property, and family it is meant to protect. Veliz Katz Law prepares wills as part of a broader estate planning process rather than a one-page form. Our Maitland will and trust attorneys draft documents that reflect the client’s long-term goals.

Asset and Family Review

The process starts with your property, family structure, and estate planning needs.

Will Drafting

Our firm prepares a last will and testament that complies with Florida law on executing wills.

Representative and Guardian Designations

The documents can name the people you want in key legal roles.

Family-Specific Planning

Terms can be adjusted for spouses, children, blended families, and other household structures.

Trust Coordination

The will can work together with revocable living trusts and related estate planning documents.

Life-Change Updates

The plan can be revised after divorce, remarriage, relocation, or major financial changes, including issues addressed by Fla. Stat. § 732.507.

Probate-Focused Structure

Clear drafting can reduce confusion during estate administration.

This process gives clients a will that is tailored to their estate matters, their family’s future, and the legal requirements that apply in Florida.

A Clear Will Today Can Prevent Conflict Tomorrow

We take time to understand your priorities and create a will that clearly directs your property to the right people. Talk with our wills lawyer in Maitland about your estate, your family, and the documents Florida law requires.

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What Makes a Will Valid in Florida?

Florida law sets specific rules for a valid will. Our wills lawyer in Maitland, FL, can prepare the document and supervise execution so the will matches statutory requirements and is less likely to face avoidable challenges later.

• Written document: Florida law requires the will to be in writing.
• Testator’s signature: The person making the will must sign it at the end, or direct someone else to sign in the required manner.
• Two witnesses: At least two witnesses must observe the signing or acknowledgment of the will.
• Witness signatures: Both witnesses must sign the will in the presence required by Florida law.
• Legal capacity: The person making the will must be at least 18 or an emancipated minor and must be of sound mind.
• Self-proving affidavit: A notarized affidavit can help simplify probate by confirming proper execution in advance.

When these formalities are handled correctly, the will stands on firmer ground during probate and gives family members clearer direction after death.

Types of Wills We Draft

Estate planning needs vary from one household to the next. We prepare straightforward wills for some clients, while others need documents that work alongside trusts, family planning, or long-term asset protection. As Maitland will and trust attorneys, we tailor each will to fit the client’s estate, family structure, and long-term goals.

• Simple wills: For individuals who want clear instructions on property distribution and estate administration.
• Wills for married couples: For spouses who want coordinated terms as part of a broader estate plan.
• Wills for parents: For parents who want to nominate guardians and leave clear directions for minor children.
• Blended family wills: For families with remarriage, children from prior relationships, or more complex inheritance concerns.
• High-asset wills: For clients with substantial property, investment accounts, or business interests.
• Wills paired with trust planning: For clients who also need revocable living trusts or related transfer documents.
• Wills with living wills and powers of attorney: For clients who want a more complete estate plan that also addresses medical and legal decision-making.
• Updated or revised wills: For clients whose current will no longer reflects their family, assets, or goals.

This approach allows our Maitland wills attorneys to prepare documents that fit the client’s actual circumstances rather than using the same structure for every estate plan.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will in Florida?

If part of an estate is not effectively disposed of by will, Florida intestacy statutes control who inherits. The surviving spouse may receive all or part of the intestate estate depending on the family structure under Fla. Stat. § 732.102. If assets do not pass to a surviving spouse, the law moves down a statutory order that begins with descendants, then parents, then siblings and their descendants under Fla. Stat. § 732.103.

That result may not match what a person intended. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, close friends, and certain relatives may receive nothing under intestacy. A later marriage can also create rights for a pretermitted spouse unless an exception applies under Fla. Stat. § 732.301.

Problems That Come from Generic or Home-Prepared Wills

Many estate disputes begin with a document that looked complete at the time but failed to address Florida law, family circumstances, or related estate planning issues. Our wills attorney in Maitland, FL, can review for defects before those problems reach probate court.

• Improper execution: Missing signatures or witness errors can make the will vulnerable in probate.
• Unclear distributions: Vague language can create disputes over who receives specific property.
• No guardian nomination: Parents may leave major decisions about minor children unresolved.
• Missing backup beneficiaries: Property can pass in unintended ways if the first beneficiary dies first.
• Conflicts with other documents: A will may clash with trusts, deeds, or beneficiary designations.
• No personal representative named: The court may need to decide who will handle the estate.
• Outdated provisions: Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and asset changes can make an old will inaccurate.

These issues often do not appear until a family is already dealing with loss, which is why properly prepared documents matter long before probate begins.

Why Families Turn to Veliz Katz Law

Here’s why Veliz Katz Law is the right choice for your will and estate planning needs:

Decades Serving Central Florida

Veliz Katz Law has served Central Florida since 1994 and has handled thousands of legal matters over the years.

Direct Access to a Focused Law Firm

Our firm’s practice is centered on probate, estate planning, and family law, giving clients focused representation in wills and related estate matters.

Free Consultation and 24/7 Availability

Veliz Katz Law offers free consultations and remains available 24/7 for prospective clients and families seeking legal help.

Strong Local Reach from Maitland

Our firm serves Maitland and maintains a strong presence across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties, with additional reach throughout Central Florida.