Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Blog
You can use a website or create your own will in Florida, but we find that some people do not create valid wills, or create wills that do things other than what they want. We only charge $200 for a will so an online will does not save very much considering the risks.
If you want to create your own will be sure that you sign the will at the end and in front of two witnesses. There are benefits to using a self proving affidavit, but one is not required under Florida law. Of course, most lawyers will include a self proving affidavit with the will that they prepare for you.
Many online wills or wills that individuals try to create do not include provisions for things that happen routinely. Some examples are a named person dies simultaneously, shortly after you, or before you. An improperly drafted will could expose your belongings to their creditors in such a case.
Another common example is that a will could leave money to someone who ends up being disqualified for government benefits because of the inheritance.
Your will could leave a large amount of money to a young adult, who is not financially responsible yet.
Your will could leave money to someone who is bankrupt or files for bankruptcy shortly after you die and their inheritance could be lost.
There are many reasons to hire a Florida estate planning lawyer to create a valid will in Florida that deals with your specific circumstances, but also many reasons like the ones mentioned above that most people never consider.