Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored. Yet, surveys consistently show that more than half of Americans don’t have one. In Florida, this can have serious consequences because if you pass away without a will, the state’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets—whether or not that matches your wishes.
Here are the top five reasons people avoid writing their will, and what you should know under Florida law:
Many Floridians assume wills are only for people with significant wealth. In reality, even if you own only a home, a car, or a bank account, a will ensures those assets are transferred smoothly. Without one, Florida intestacy law dictates the order of heirs, which may leave out important loved ones like stepchildren or close friends.
Facing mortality isn’t easy, but a will isn’t just about death—it’s about peace of mind. By creating a will, you reduce the stress, delays, and potential disputes your family might face in probate court. Florida’s probate system can be time-consuming and expensive, but a clear will helps simplify the process.
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney, like us, takes the stress and guesswork out of creating a will. An attorney ensures your document complies with Florida law, clearly reflects your wishes, and addresses important details you might overlook—such as naming a personal representative, providing for minor children, or avoiding common pitfalls. Instead of worrying about whether your will is valid or complete, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the process is handled correctly from start to finish.
An attorney can help draft a valid will tailored to your needs—often for far less than the costs of litigating disputes or handling intestate estates in probate.
Relying on informal conversations or assumptions can lead to serious conflicts. Florida courts only recognize properly executed written wills. If you don’t have one, your assets will be divided strictly according to Florida intestacy law. That could mean part of your estate goes to relatives you hadn’t planned for, or even results in disputes among surviving family members.
Estate planning rarely feels urgent—until it suddenly is. In Florida, if you die without a will, your estate must go through the full probate process under state law. By making a will now, you spare your loved ones unnecessary delays, expenses, and potential family disputes.
✅ Bottom line: Writing a will in Florida isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants their wishes respected and their family protected. Florida law has specific requirements for a valid will, and without one, the state decides how your assets are divided. Don’t leave it to chance—take control today.
Ready to put your plan in place? Book a phone call today.
