Last Will & Testament Attorney in Boca Raton
A properly drafted will ensures your wishes are followed, your loved ones are protected, and your children are cared for by people you choose. Don't leave these decisions to Florida courts.
Schedule a Consultation
Discuss your estate planning needs with an experienced attorney.
Schedule ConsultationWhat Does a Will Do?
A last will and testament is a legal document that directs how your assets—your home, savings, investments, personal property—will be distributed after you pass away. It names an executor to carry out your wishes, and most importantly for parents, it designates guardians for your minor children.
Without a will, Florida's intestacy laws determine who inherits your property—a rigid formula that may not match your intentions at all. Your spouse might not receive everything. Unmarried partners receive nothing. Stepchildren you've raised may be left out entirely. And a court, not you, will decide who raises your children.
A will is the only legal document that can name guardians for your minor children. Not a trust, not a power of attorney—only a will can make this critical designation.
It's important to understand that a will alone does not avoid probate. When you pass away, your will must be filed with the Florida probate court, which supervises the distribution of your assets. This process typically takes 6-12 months and becomes a matter of public record. For many Florida families, a living trust combined with a pour-over will provides a more complete solution—but even then, the will remains essential.
For families with straightforward situations and modest assets, a will-based plan may be sufficient. For those with real estate, significant assets, or complex family situations, we typically recommend a trust-based approach with a pour-over will as a safety net. During your consultation, we'll help you determine which approach makes sense for your situation.
What Your Will Accomplishes
A properly drafted will gives you control over decisions that would otherwise be made by Florida courts.
Name Guardians for Children
Designate who will raise your minor children if something happens to both parents. Without this, a judge decides—possibly someone you wouldn't have chosen.
Direct Asset Distribution
Specify exactly who receives your property—and in what proportions. Provide for family, friends, charities, or anyone you choose.
Appoint Your Executor
Choose a trusted person to manage your estate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to your wishes—rather than whoever the court appoints.
Provide Specific Bequests
Leave particular items—jewelry, collections, family heirlooms—to specific people who will appreciate their sentimental value.
Protect Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Create testamentary trusts within your will to manage assets for minors, spendthrift beneficiaries, or those with special needs.
Avoid Intestacy Chaos
Prevent Florida's default inheritance rules from controlling your estate—rules that may not reflect your family situation or wishes.
With a Will vs. Without a Will
The difference between having a valid will and dying intestate affects every aspect of your estate.
With a Valid Will
- You choose who raises your children
- Assets go to people you designate
- Your chosen executor manages the estate
- Unmarried partners can inherit
- Stepchildren can be provided for
- Charities can receive bequests
Without a Will (Intestate)
- Court appoints guardian for children
- Florida formula determines heirs
- Court appoints administrator
- Unmarried partners receive nothing
- Stepchildren typically excluded
- No charitable giving possible
Our Simple Process
Creating your will is straightforward. Most clients complete the process in 2-3 weeks.
Initial Consultation
We discuss your family situation, assets, and goals to determine the best approach for your needs.
Document Drafting
We prepare your will and supporting documents, typically within 3-5 business days.
Review & Revise
You review the drafts and we make any changes needed until you're completely satisfied.
Signing Ceremony
We conduct a formal signing with proper witnesses and notarization to ensure legal validity.
Common Questions About Wills
Answers to questions we hear most often from South Florida families.
Serving Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade Counties
Protect Your Family Today
Don't leave important decisions—like who raises your children—to a judge who has never met your family. Schedule a consultation to discuss your will and complete estate plan.
Schedule Consultation