What is a Last Will and Testament and does this mean my family can skip probate?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that states an individual’s wishes of how their assets should be distributed upon their passing. A Last Will and Testament ( “Will”) is an important document that every individual should have in order to let their loved ones know what their wishes are when it comes to their assets/belongings. In Florida, having a Will does not mean that the individual’s estate will not go through the probate process, however, it will leave clarity for their loved ones as to who or where assets should go. An individual can also express their wishes as to their burial and funeral arrangements. If an individual wishes for their estate to completely bypass the probate process, they would need to have a conversation with an estate planning attorney in their jurisdiction to discuss what are the best estate planning options to meet their specific circumstances. Every individual’s situation is different from another, therefore, it is important to understand the importance of having a proper estate plan put into place.
With a Will, the family would have to have the original will deposited with the court and have a probate opened. At the end of the probate case a Judge will enter an order as to the distribution to the individuals named in the will to receive the assets. If there are any questions regarding probate and/or estate planning please contact an attorney in your jurisdiction, preferably one who practices in the area of probate and estate planning.
Are you curious about the power of a Last Will and Testament in shaping the future of your assets and your family’s well-being? Estate Planning Attorney, Yanitza Schoonover, is here to guide you through the intricacies of estate planning. Contact us now and let’s start building a secure future together.
