At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we see every will as a reflection of a person’s story. For St. Augustine clients, we create documents that do more than divide assets. They protect loved ones from uncertainty and preserve what matters most. We walk you through each decision, from naming executors to outlining specific gifts, so your legacy is secure and your wishes unmistakable.
Creating a will might seem like a task for later, but for St. Augustine residents, having this essential document in place provides both protection for your loved ones and peace of mind for yourself. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, our St Augustine will attorney helps you create clear, legally sound documents that express your wishes and protect your family’s future.
A properly drafted will speaks for you when you no longer can.
A will (formally called a “Last Will and Testament”) is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also names guardians for minor children and appoints the person who will manage your estate (called a “personal representative” in Florida).
In St. Augustine and throughout St. Johns County, having a valid will is crucial for several reasons:
Without a will, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who receives your property—a process that may not align with your wishes and can cause unnecessary stress for grieving family members.
Florida has specific legal requirements for wills. Our St. Augustine will attorneys ensure your document includes all necessary elements and complies with state law.
For a will to be valid in St. Augustine and throughout Florida, it must:
While Florida recognizes electronic wills under certain conditions, traditional paper wills remain the most common and reliable option.
A comprehensive will for a St. Augustine resident typically addresses:
This section details who receives specific assets, from your historic St. Augustine home to family heirlooms or financial accounts. You can make specific bequests (like giving your vacation home to a specific child) or divide assets by percentages.
Your personal representative (executor) manages your estate through probate. This trusted person handles everything from filing court papers at the St. Johns County Courthouse to distributing assets. We help you choose someone reliable and detail alternate choices if your first choice is unable to serve.
For St. Augustine parents, naming guardians is perhaps the most important part of a will. This provision ensures your children will be raised by people you trust if tragedy strikes. We help parents consider practical aspects like whether proposed guardians live near your children’s schools and familiar surroundings.
Many St. Augustine families consider pets part of the family. Your will can include provisions for their care, including naming a caretaker and possibly setting aside funds for their needs.
From funeral wishes to special messages for loved ones, your will can include personal instructions that matter to you.
We ensure your will works seamlessly with other estate planning documents, including trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Duval County
Clay County
St. Johns County
Our St. Augustine will attorneys help clients create various types of wills based on their needs:
Straightforward wills work well for many St. Augustine residents with uncomplicated estates. These documents cover basic provisions while meeting all legal requirements.
These wills work in conjunction with trusts, directing that any assets not already in your trust “pour over” into it at your death. Many St. Augustine families use this approach to ensure complete asset protection.
These wills create trusts that take effect after your death. They’re useful for managing inheritances for minor children, beneficiaries with special needs, or in situations where you want to control asset distribution over time.
While less common today, some married couples choose these options.
Our attorneys explain the advantages and limitations of each approach for St. Augustine families.
Life changes, and your will should change with it. St. Augustine residents should review and possibly update their wills after:
Many of our clients at Berg Bryant Elder Law Group review their wills every 3-5 years to ensure they remain current with both personal circumstances and Florida law.
Will contests can delay probate and create family conflict. Our St. Augustine will attorneys help prevent challenges by:
If a will contest does arise, we can represent your personal representative in St. Johns County Probate Court proceedings.
At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we understand that creating a will is about more than legal documents—it’s about caring for your loved ones and preserving your legacy.
Our St. Augustine will attorneys work closely with you to develop clear, comprehensive documents that express your wishes and protect your family. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Contact our St. Augustine will attorneys today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating this essential legal protection.
property. According to Florida Statutes §732.101-732.111, assets typically pass first to your spouse and children, then to other relatives in a specific order. This may not match your wishes, especially in blended families.
Florida does not recognize handwritten (holographic) wills unless they meet all formal requirements, including being properly witnessed. Unlike some states, simply writing out your wishes and signing them isn’t legally binding in Florida.
Choose someone who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling financial matters. Florida law requires that non-family personal representatives be Florida residents, with some exceptions for close relatives.
No, assets that pass through a will still go through probate. However, a properly drafted will simplifies the process and reduces costs.
You can revoke a will by physically destroying it, creating a new will that explicitly revokes the old one, or executing a codicil (amendment).
Serving clients throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas.
