For those creating an estate plan, one of the first documents they may establish is a will. Our Winter Park, FL will lawyer uses this tool to protect your legacy now and make the process easier for loved ones after you have passed away, or in the event you become incapacitated. This helps you achieve peace of mind that your assets are going to be handed down to those you care about the most upon your departure. At Hirani Law, having a will can be the best resource for you, your family, and your estate. Let us help protect your estate by reaching out now for a consultation!
Will Lawyer Winter Park, FL
A will is a tool utilized to provide instructions for how someone wants their finances, estate, and assets handled after they pass on. If someone dies before they have written a will, it can cause additional tasks and stress for loved ones left behind. When devising a will, it is important that you are aware of state laws and how this can impact your estate plan overall. As our will attorney explains, there are a few considerations for residents in the state of Florida who want to establish a legally-binding will. If you have questions about writing a will or other estate planning documents, contact our Winter Park will lawyer today for assistance!
Every person’s life and what they build over a lifetime is unique to them, so their will is going to reflect these aspects. However, there are basic details and requirements that are expected of any will. You must have the testator’s full name and address, name of the executor, preferred guardians for minor children and pets, list of chosen beneficiaries, testator’s list of investments and assets, testator’s signature, two witness signatures, and date the document was signed. The executor is the person who must follow the testator’s wishes as written in the will after their death. Ultimately, a will allows the testator to protect their assets and investments, while choosing who receives a portion of their assets after their departure.
Why Experience Matters When Devising A Will
The legal jargon involved with creating a will can make the process more confusing and intimidating. But you can rely on us to offer guidance and be a source of information as you create a legally sound will. We recommend speaking with our will attorney for the following reasons:
- Writing a will is one of the best ways to safeguard your assets now and into the future, ensuring proper distribution to those you love the most.
- We have more than three decades of experience helping clients with estate planning and other legal services.
- We believe in treating every client like family, ensuring that their legacy is protected and transferred as they prefer when the time comes to do so.
At Hirani Law, we are dedicated to helping clients create a will that is legally effective and concise. For further assistance with your will, contact our Winter Park will lawyer today for the information you need! We are happy to hear from you.
Types Of Will Services We Offer
As your Winter Park, FL will lawyer, Hirani Law can help you come up with a plan that suits your needs. And with 35+ years of experience in estate planning law, we can also make sure you’re taking advantage of all the resources that are available to you. Read on to see our list of services, and contact an inheritance planning lawyer from our team today to get started.
Basic Will Preparation
A basic will covers the fundamental decisions about how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. This type of will is ideal for those with straightforward estates and allows you to name beneficiaries, outline simple instructions, and appoint someone to carry out your wishes.
Living Wills
A living will provides direction for medical decisions if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This document outlines the type of care you would or would not want in specific situations. With the help of your estate distribution lawyer, you can relieve family members of the burden of making difficult choices during stressful times.
Testamentary Trust Wills
For those who want more control over how and when their assets are distributed, a testamentary trust will may be the right choice. This type of will allows you to create trusts that go into effect after your passing, providing ongoing support for children, family members with special needs, or others who may benefit from managed distributions.
Joint Wills
A joint will is commonly used by married couples who want to leave their assets to each other and then to other beneficiaries after both have passed. This type of will simplifies planning for couples who have shared goals for their estate.
Will Updates And Revisions
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or significant financial changes can affect your estate plans. We provide services to review and update wills so they remain accurate and reflect your current wishes.
Guardianship Designations
For parents, naming guardians for minor children is one of the most important parts of creating a will. Your Winter Park will lawyer can help you provide clear instructions about who should care for your children if you are no longer able to do so.
Digital Asset Planning
Many people now have valuable digital property, such as online accounts, cryptocurrency, or digital media libraries. We assist in creating provisions for these assets so they are managed or transferred smoothly.
Business Succession Planning
For business owners, a will can include specific instructions about what should happen to the company after their passing. As your last will lawyer can explain, this may involve naming a successor, transferring ownership, or outlining how business assets should be handled.
Planning For The Future
Taking the time to create or update a will provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. At Hirani Law, we have over 35 years of experience assisting clients with business law, real estate, and estate planning services. Now, we’re ready to help you protect your legacy. Contact us today, and see what a Winter Park will lawyer from our team can do for you.
9 Ways To Prepare For A Will Appointment
Preparing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Walking into your appointment with our Winter Park, FL will lawyer prepared not only saves time but also helps you get the most out of your consultation. Here are ten effective ways to prepare for your will appointment.
1. List Your Assets and Debts
Before your appointment, create a detailed list of your assets—including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and valuable personal property. Also note any outstanding debts or loans. This gives our attorney a clear financial picture and helps you make informed decisions.
2. Choose Your Beneficiaries
Decide who will inherit your property. Your beneficiaries may include family, friends, or charities. If you want certain people to receive specific items or amounts, write it all down. The clearer your wishes are, the smoother the drafting process will be.
3. Select a Guardian for Minor Children
If you have children under 18, choosing a guardian is one of the most important decisions you can make. Think about who you trust to raise your children if something were to happen to you. Consider their values, stability, and willingness to take on the role.
4. Decide on an Executor
An executor (or personal representative) is the person you trust to handle your estate after you pass away. They’ll manage tasks like paying debts, distributing assets, and settling final affairs. Pick someone responsible, organized, and able to handle financial matters.
5. Think About Health Care Directives
Many lawyers discuss health care directives during a will appointment. Consider your preferences for medical treatment, life-sustaining care, and end-of-life decisions. You may also choose a health care agent to make medical decisions if you cannot.
6. Gather Important Documents
Bring relevant documents to your appointment, such as:
- Deeds and property titles
- Financial statements
- Vehicle titles
- Life insurance policies
- Prenuptial or marital agreements
- Business ownership documents
Having these on hand allows our Winter Park will lawyer to create a more accurate and enforceable will.
7. Consider Digital Assets
Digital assets are often overlooked. Make a list of online accounts, including banking apps, social media, email, cloud storage, cryptocurrency, and memberships. Decide who should have access and how they should be handled.
8. Discuss Any Special Circumstances
If you have blended family dynamics, a child with special needs, business interests, or wishes that may require special planning, note these ahead of time. Our lawyer can explain how to address these issues through trusts, guardianships, or additional planning tools.
9. Prepare Your Questions
A will appointment is your time to get clarity. Bring a list of questions about probate, trusts, tax implications, or anything else you’re unsure about. The more you ask, the more confident you’ll feel about your estate plan.
Preparing for your will appointment ensures our Winter Park will lawyer has everything needed to draft a strong, legally sound document that protects your loved ones and reflects your wishes. Taking these simple steps helps create peace of mind today—and for the future. At Hirani Law, we are there to help you.
Will Law FAQs
If you are thinking about creating a will or updating an existing one, it is natural to have questions about how will law works and what steps to take. At Hirani Law, we help individuals and families make informed decisions about protecting their assets and loved ones through thoughtful estate planning with our Winter Park, FL will lawyer. With nearly 35 years of passionate representation in Florida, our family-run firm provides individualized attention backed by more than a quarter century of experience across multiple practice areas. If you have questions about wills or want guidance tailored to your situation, we invite you to reach out and start the conversation.
What Is A Will And Why Do I Need One?
Yes, most adults should have a will. A will is a legal document that explains how your property should be distributed after your death and who will manage your estate. Without a valid will, Florida law determines how your assets are divided, which may not reflect your wishes. Having a will gives you control and helps reduce confusion or conflict for your family.
Does A Will Avoid Probate In Florida?
No, a will does not avoid probate by itself. A will actually guides the probate process by telling the court how assets should be distributed. Probate is the legal procedure used to settle an estate, pay debts, and transfer property. While probate may still be required, a clear and properly prepared will often makes the process more efficient and less stressful for loved ones.
Can I Change Or Update My Will Later?
Yes, you can update your will at any time. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or changes in assets often make updates necessary. These changes are usually handled through a formal amendment or by creating a new will. Keeping your will current helps make sure it reflects your present intentions and family circumstances.
What Happens If Someone Dies Without A Will?
No will means the estate follows Florida’s intestate laws. When someone dies without a will, the state decides who receives the property based on a legal formula. This process may exclude people you would have chosen and can lead to delays or disputes. Creating a will helps avoid uncertainty and provides clearer direction during a difficult time.
Does A Will Cover Minor Children Or Dependents?
Yes, a will can address guardianship. Parents often use a will to name a guardian for minor children or dependents. This allows you to express who you trust to care for them if something happens to you. While the court makes the final decision, your wishes carry significant weight when clearly stated in a valid will.
Ready To Take The Next Step With Your Will?
Planning ahead with a will is one of the most meaningful ways to protect your family and your legacy. We are Meenakshi A. Hirani, P.A., a family-run law firm that clients throughout Florida rely on for complex legal matters, offering individualized attention supported by decades of experience. Our team understands that estate planning decisions are personal, and we take the time to listen and guide you with care.
At Hirani Law, will planning is about clarity, peace of mind, and protecting what matters most. Whether you are creating your first will or revisiting an existing plan, thoughtful guidance can make all the difference. If you have questions or are ready to move forward, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your goals and next steps.