Orlando-Area Attorneys for Wills

The trusts and estates department at Pohl & Short, P.A. helps individuals and couples throughout Florida with the development of wills, living wills (sometimes called health care surrogate designations), trusts, and other estate planning documents. We also represent clients in will contests and other probate litigation.

To schedule an appointment about writing your will, or if you have questions about an existing will, contact us by phone or e-mail.

Thoughtful Counsel and Meticulous Preparation of Wills

Preparing a will as part of an overall estate plan is a great service you can provide for your loved ones. A number of issues may arise upon your death, and you can resolve them for your family by clearly communicating your wishes in your will:

• You can designate who receives your property, including specific personal items such as heirlooms and jewelry
• You can make gifts to charity upon your death
• You can designate a guardian for any minor children or adults with special needs
• You can designate the personal representative (executor) of your will, the person to probate your estate
• With proper drafting, you can make arrangements for the sale of real estate without court proceedings, the payment of taxes, and the creation of trusts

Although simple will kits are easy to find, we strongly recommend discussing your goals with an attorney before drafting your will. In order to be valid, wills have to be properly executed in strict compliance with the laws of Florida — which have both technical requirements and rules about what actions can and cannot be carried out through a will. Failure to follow some rules can make all or parts of your will invalid.

It is also extremely important to update your will from time to time when there are changes in your life circumstances. If you marry, divorce, have children or grandchildren, move to another state, or make a substantial purchase of real estate or other property, you should update your will.

Knowledgeable Trial Counsel for Will Contests

In some cases, family members and other beneficiaries feel they need to challenge the validity of a will. For example, the family may believe that a certain caregiver who has received a substantial bequest was exerting undue influence over a frail relative. There may be questions about whether the will that has been brought to the probate court is the true, final will. Or, questions may arise about the mental capacity of the person who wrote the will.

When these emotional issues arise, the experienced trial lawyers of Pohl & Short are available to assist you. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in will contests and other probate litigation throughout the State of Florida.

To schedule your appointment about writing your will or a will contest, contact Pohl & Short by phone or e-mail.