A will gives you a clear voice in the future, helping protect the people and assets that matter most. At Filler & Hedum Family Law Firm, Sam Filler and Kelly Hedum work directly with you to create thoughtful, legally sound plans that bring peace of mind to you and your family.
Wills in Florida:
What You Need to Know
A will is a legal document that allows you to decide who inherits your assets after your death. Through your will, you can distribute real estate, bank accounts, personal belongings, family heirlooms, and other property. You can also name a personal representative, who is the person responsible for managing your estate through the probate, and designate a guardian for your minor children if both parents pass away.
Florida law requires a will to be signed by the person creating it and witnessed by two individuals in each other’s presence. While handwritten notes and DIY documents often create problems, a properly drafted will can help avoid disputes, clarify your wishes, and make probate more efficient. As your life changes through marriage, divorce, children, or new assets, your will should be reviewed and updated to reflect your current goals.
Common Reasons to Draft Wills:
- Protection for minor children through a chosen guardian
- Clear distribution of assets according to your wishes
- Selection of a trusted personal representative
- Prevention of inheritance-related family disputes
- Specific gifts for children, grandchildren, friends, or charities
- Financial security for a surviving spouse
- Protection of interests within a blended family
- Transfer of a family business to the intended successor
- Distribution of valuable heirlooms and sentimental belongings
- Updates following marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- Adjustments after the birth or adoption of a child
- Inclusion of newly acquired real estate or investments
- Greater control over how an estate is handled
- Avoidance of outcomes dictated by Florida intestacy laws
How We Help With Wills in Oviedo
When you work with us, Kelly and Sam take the time to understand your family, assets, and long-term goals before drafting your will. We help you choose beneficiaries, nominate guardians for minor children, and select a personal representative who can carry out your wishes. We also review potential probate issues, identify potential sources of future disputes, and ensure your will complies with Florida law so your loved ones have clear direction when the time comes.
FAQs
Do I Need a Will if I Do Not Have a Large Estate?
Yes. A will is not just for people with significant wealth. We often help clients create wills to name guardians for minor children, designate an executor to handle their estate, and ensure that personal belongings go to the people they care about most. Even a modest estate can create confusion if there are no written instructions.
What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Florida?
If you pass away without a valid will, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets. Those laws may not reflect your wishes or your family’s unique circumstances. We frequently remind clients that a simple will gives you, rather than the state, a voice in these decisions.
Can I Change My Will Later?
Absolutely. Life changes, and your will should change with it. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the purchase of property, or financial changes may all warrant an update. Kelly and Sam can review your existing documents and recommend revisions when circumstances change.
Filler & Hedum:
There When You Need ‘Em!
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and provide clear direction for the future. At Filler & Hedum, you’ll work directly with Kelly and Sam: not through layers of staff. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions honestly, and help you create a plan that reflects your wishes. As attorneys deeply rooted in the Oviedo community, we’re proud to help local families prepare for whatever comes next. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
