Last Will and Testament Lawyer in South Florida
Clearly document your wishes and provide guidance for your loved ones with a properly prepared Last Will and Testament.
We provide clear, personalized guidance to help you create a Will that reflects your intentions and complies with Florida law. Consultations are available in office or virtually for clients in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.
A Last Will and Testament (often just called a "Will") is a legal document that explains how your assets should be distributed after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint a personal representative to carry out your wishes, and designate guardians for minor children if applicable. A properly prepared Will provides clear direction and ensures your intentions are legally recognized under Florida law.
While a Will does not avoid probate, it plays a critical role in guiding the probate process and reducing uncertainty for your loved ones. Working with a last will and testament lawyer helps ensure the document is drafted correctly, signed properly, and reflects your wishes without ambiguity.
What Is a Last Will and Testament?
Why Do You Need a Last Will and Testament in Florida?
If you pass away without a valid Will, Florida law determines how your assets are distributed. This process may not reflect your preferences and can lead to delays, added stress, and difficult decisions for family members. Having a Will allows you to make those decisions yourself rather than leaving them to state rules.
A Will is especially important because it allows you to:
Clearly state who should receive your assets
Appoint a personal representative you trust
Name guardians for minor children
Provide guidance that reduces confusion and disputes
Ensure your wishes are followed under Florida law
For many individuals and families, a Will is a foundational planning document that provides clarity and direction when it is needed most.
How a Will Lawyer in South Florida Can Help
Preparing a Will involves more than listing assets and naming beneficiaries. A last will and testament lawyer in South Florida helps ensure your wishes are clearly documented, legally valid, and structured in a way that reduces confusion for your loved ones. Florida has specific legal requirements for Wills, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or disputes later.
A will attorney can assist by:
Explaining how a Will works under Florida law and what it can and cannot accomplish
Helping you determine how assets should be distributed based on your goals and family situation
Advising on the selection of guardians for minor children and a personal representative you trust
Preparing a Will that meets Florida’s legal requirements for validity and enforceability
Reviewing language and details carefully to reduce the risk of misinterpretation or future conflict
With proper legal guidance, a Will becomes a clear and reliable plan rather than a source of uncertainty. Working with an experienced will lawyer helps ensure your document accurately reflects your intentions and provides meaningful direction for those you leave behind.
Meet Your Will Lawyer in South Florida, Lindsay Karten, Esq.
Preparing a Will is a personal process, and clear legal guidance helps ensure important decisions are documented correctly. Lindsay Karten works with individuals and families across South Florida to prepare Wills that reflect their wishes and comply with Florida law.
With more than 18 years of legal experience, Lindsay focuses exclusively on Wills and Living Trusts. Her work is centered on careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail. She explains each step of the process in plain language and ensures clients understand how their Will functions and what it accomplishes.
Lindsay’s approach emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and thoughtful preparation. Whether you are creating a Will for the first time or updating an existing document, you receive guidance designed to support informed decision-making and long-term peace of mind.
Consultations are available in person or virtually for clients throughout South Florida including Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.
Who Should Consider Creating a Will in Florida
Creating a Will may be especially important if you:
Own property, savings, or personal assets in Florida
Have children or dependents and want to name a guardian
Want to decide who receives specific assets or personal items
Wish to appoint a trusted person to manage your affairs
Have experienced changes such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or the loss of a loved one
Do not want your estate distributed according to Florida’s default rules
Even individuals with modest assets can benefit from having a Will in place. A properly prepared Will provides clarity, direction, and reassurance for your loved ones during an emotional time. A will lawyer in South Florida can help determine whether a Will meets your needs or whether additional planning should be considered based on your circumstances.
A Will is an important planning tool for many individuals and families in Florida. While every situation is different, having a clear and legally prepared Will helps ensure your wishes are known and followed, rather than leaving decisions to state law.
Legal Requirements for a Will to Be Valid in Florida
Florida law has specific requirements that must be followed for a Will to be legally valid. If these requirements are not met, the Will may be challenged or considered unenforceable, which can lead to delays and uncertainty for loved ones.
To be valid in Florida, a Will must meet the following conditions:
The person creating the Will must be at least eighteen years old
The person must have legal capacity, meaning they understand what a Will is and the effect it has
The Will must be in writing
The Will must be signed by the person creating it
The signing must take place in the presence of two witnesses
The witnesses must also sign the Will in the presence of the person creating it and each other
These formalities are strictly enforced under Florida law. Even small mistakes, such as improper witnessing or unclear signatures, can create issues during probate.
Looking for a Will Lawyer Near You in South Florida
Karten Legal works with individuals and families seeking guidance from a last will and testament lawyer in South Florida. Services are available throughout Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Weston, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding communities.
If you are searching for a will lawyer near you, consultations are offered in person or virtually to provide flexibility and convenience. Whether you are creating a Will for the first time or reviewing an existing document, you receive clear guidance focused on accuracy, compliance, and long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you die without a Will, Florida law determines how your assets are distributed through a process known as intestate succession. This may result in assets being divided in ways you did not intend, and it does not allow you to choose who manages your estate or who should serve as guardian for minor children.
The process can also take time and add stress for family members who are already dealing with loss. Having a Will allows you to make these decisions in advance and provide clear direction.
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Yes. A Will can generally be updated or replaced during your lifetime as long as you have the legal capacity to do so. Many people revise their Will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, relocation, or changes in financial circumstances. Updating a Will ensures that it continues to reflect your current wishes and family situation.
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No. A Will does not avoid probate, but it provides essential instructions that guide the probate process. It identifies beneficiaries, appoints a personal representative, and explains how assets should be distributed. While probate may still be required, having a Will helps make the process more organized and reduces uncertainty for your loved ones.
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While it is possible to create a Will without legal assistance, doing so carries the risk of errors, unclear language, or documents that do not meet Florida’s legal requirements. Mistakes can lead to delays, disputes, or parts of the Will being challenged. Working with a lawyer helps ensure the document is properly prepared, legally valid, and aligned with your intentions.
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Florida law treats spouses and children differently. In most cases, an adult child can be disinherited in a Will if the document is properly prepared and clearly states that intention. However, spouses have specific legal protections under Florida law.
A spouse may be entitled to certain rights, such as an elective share, homestead rights, or other statutory protections, even if they are not included in the Will. A will lawyer can explain these rules and help ensure your document reflects your intentions while complying with Florida law.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you are ready to prepare a Will or review an existing document, a consultation can help clarify your options. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and receive guidance tailored to your situation.