Wills and Estate Planning in Tampa
Legal Will and related information
Estate planning attorneys of Fuentes & Kreischer, PA in Tampa can help clients prepare wills to ensure their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets are followed.
Creating a Will
Creating a will is a process of providing for your family's future after you pass away. With the help of a wills lawyer, you, the testator, can define how your assets will be managed and distributed to your heirs. You also designate a person who oversees the process of distribution along with your attorney. That person is called a personal representative. A personal representative should be a trusted family member or friend who will administer the estate according to your wishes.
Elements of a Will
In Florida, for a will to be valid, it must have these elements:
- The decedent must be 18 years old
- The decedent must be of sound mind
- The will must be signed in front of witnesses that are not beneficiaries in the will
A Tampa wills preparation legal office can help you set up a power of attorney, trusts for your children, and ensure there are no aspects of estate planning you may have overlooked.
Dying without a Will
If a person dies without a will, the estate is said to be intestate. In this case, the court determines the beneficiaries and divides the property. Assets are distributed in this order:
- Your spouse and children
- If you die without children, your estate goes to your spouse
- If you die without a spouse, your estate goes to your parents
- If you die without parents, your estate goes to your siblings
As you can see, you may have different ways you would like your assets dispersed. Working with a Tampa wills law firm to plan your estate is the best way to make sure your wishes are carried out. At Fuentes & Kreischer in Tampa, we offer free initial consultations to discuss how your estate can be administered so that your wishes are smoothly carried out. Call us today at 813-933-6647, or submit our quick contact web form and we will promptly answer your request.
