With 60+ years of combined legal experience, the elder law attorneys/lawyers at Rooth & Rooth can help you draft a last will and testament that leaves you feeling confident and secure. Our family has proudly served the elder law needs of Seminole, FL and the surrounding area for decades. We invite you to schedule a consultation with us and voice all your questions or concerns.
Who Needs a Last Will and Testament?
Anyone over 18 with personal assets should have a last will and testament. Moreover, anyone with loved ones should execute a will. Your testament details your wishes regarding young(minor) children, relatives, and pets under your care. It can even specify your funeral arrangements and service.
Why Create a Will?
A person drafts a last will and testament to state in writing, the persons or charities that will receive his or her assets after death. There are many reasons to create a last will and testament, but the most obvious is to ease the burden on family and friends after you pass away. Your last will and testament officially notifies all parties of how you want your estate assets distributed and to whom.
As the testator (the person drafting the will), you choose someone to oversee the estate after you are deceased, known as the executor. In Florida, the executor of an estate is also called the personal representative. He or she is responsible for managing and disbursing your assets in accordance with your last will and testament and must act in the best interest of the estate when making decisions that affect those assets.
Who Can Inherit From Your Estate?
You can bequeath (or pass on) assets to a person, or to some other interest that you want to support, such as a trust, a church, a charity, a hobby, or a concern. The person or entity that inherits your assets is known as a beneficiary. The actual gift—the asset you pass on through your will to the individuals or entities of your choosing—is known as a bequest.
A last will and testament also officially determines who benefits from your estate by including or excluding beneficiaries. There are situations where including a close friend or excluding a family member may be the right thing to do—for you or for them. For example, potential beneficiaries are often intentionally excluded if they are disabled, alcohol or drug dependent, or grossly incapable of financial responsibility. Your last will and testament allows you to have the final say in these decisions. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to guide you through the drafting and execution of this critical document.
With the Rooth & Rooth family of elder law attorneys/lawyers on your side, there will be no need to worry. We’ll help you draft a last will and testament that completely attests to your wishes. Alongside estate planning, we also focus on long-term care planning and probate/trust administration. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
