Writing a will is about more than dividing property. It’s about making sure your voice is heard when it matters most. Whether you want to leave specific gifts, name a guardian, or create instructions for handling your estate, our team works to ensure your plans are honored with precision and care. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we help Floridians put their intentions into clear, legally sound documents that stand up when families need them.
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future. Without a proper will, Florida law—not you—decides who gets your property and who takes care of your minor children. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we help you create a clear, legally valid will that protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Let us help you create a plan that works.
A last will and testament (commonly called a “will”) is a legal document that tells everyone what should happen to your property after you die. In your will, you can:
Your will only takes effect after you die. Until then, you can change it as often as you want.
Many people think they don’t need a will because they don’t own much or they’re not elderly. This is a dangerous mistake. Here’s why every adult in Florida should have a will:
If you die without a will in Florida (called dying “intestate“), the state has a preset formula for who gets your stuff. This formula might not match your wishes at all. For example:
Perhaps the most important reason to create a will is to name guardians for your minor children. Without this guidance, a court will decide who raises your children if something happens to you, with no guarantee they’ll choose the person you would have wanted.
A clear, properly written will makes the probate process (the legal process of distributing your assets) much simpler. This means:
If you’re ready to put your wishes in writing, our team at Berg Bryant Elder Law Group is here to walk you through each step.
For your will to be valid in Florida, it must meet these requirements:
While Florida doesn’t require a notary, having your will notarized makes it “self-proving,” which simplifies the probate process for your family later.
Many online services offer do-it-yourself will forms. While these might seem like a money-saving option, they often create serious problems:
Florida has specific laws about wills that generic online forms might miss. These small details can make your entire will invalid.
DIY wills often contain vague or confusing language that leads to family arguments and even court battles over what you really meant.
A DIY will might accomplish the basics, but miss important planning opportunities that could save your family money or protect your assets better.
Many DIY wills failed to include crucial provisions or contained language that could lead to problems during probate.
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Many clients ask whether they need a will or a trust. The answer depends on your specific situation, but here’s a simple breakdown:
Many of our clients benefit from having both a will and a trust as part of a complete estate plan.
Life moves quickly. Children grow up, relationships change, and assets come and go. Don’t leave your family wondering what you would have wanted.
At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, our Florida attorneys make the process simple and stress-free. We serve families throughout Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Orange Park, and surrounding communities.
Don’t put off creating your will until it’s too late.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your family’s future.
You should review your will after any major life event such as:
Even without major changes, it’s wise to review your will every 3-5 years.
If you die without a will, Florida’s “intestate succession” laws determine who gets your property. Generally, your assets will go to your closest relatives in an order set by state law, regardless of what you might have wanted.
In Florida, you can disinherit most family members through your will, but there are special protections for spouses. A surviving spouse is entitled to at least 30% of the deceased spouse’s estate, regardless of what the will says (called the “elective share“).
Choose someone who is:
While Florida law doesn’t require an attorney to create a will, having one is highly recommended. A properly drafted will must follow specific legal requirements to be valid. Missing even small details can make your entire will invalid. An attorney helps you avoid common mistakes, addresses your specific situation, and ensures that your will accomplishes what you want. The cost of fixing problems after you’re gone is far higher than getting it right from the start.
No, you don’t need a trust if you have a will, but many people benefit from having both. A will and a trust serve different purposes. A will goes through probate court and becomes public record, while a trust avoids probate and stays private. For many Florida families, a simple will is enough. However, if you own significant assets, have minor children, worry about potential disputes, or want to avoid probate, adding a trust to your estate plan makes sense. During our consultation, we can help you decide if a trust would benefit your specific situation.
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.
