A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan — your voice after you’re gone. It says who receives your property, who raises your minor children, and who handles your final affairs. Without one, Florida law decides all of that instead of you.
That matters more here than most places. Franklin County families tend to hold their wealth in land and in the house, often passed down through generations, sometimes with title that was never cleaned up along the way. A properly drafted will keeps that from becoming your children’s problem.
Wills aren’t just for the elderly or the wealthy. If you own a home, a boat, a piece of land, or you have children, you need one. I draft wills that reflect your actual circumstances and comply fully with Florida law — including the homestead rules that trip up most generic forms.
Meet me at my office upstairs in the historic Apalachicola Post Office, let me drive out to your place anywhere in Franklin County, or handle it remotely if you’re out of state. Same work either way.
Creating your will starts with a conversation about your family, your property, and what you’re worried about. I’ll walk you through the real decisions — who serves as executor, who raises your children if something happens, how the homestead passes. Then the document gets drafted to match, and executed properly under Florida law so it actually holds up.
Franklin County is spread out and a lot of my clients would rather not make the drive. I’ll come to you — Eastpoint, Carrabelle, St. George Island, Lanark Village, Alligator Point. If you own property here but live somewhere else, we can handle the whole thing without you flying down
The first conversation is free and there’s no obligation. Meet me downtown, let me come to you, or we can start with a phone call.
Yes, if you own any property or have minor children. Without a will, Florida law decides who receives your assets and who would raise your children—often not matching your wishes. A will ensures your voice is heard and your specific instructions are followed.
Every adult should have a will, regardless of age. For young families with children, a will is essential for naming guardians. For established adults, it ensures your property passes according to your wishes. The best time to create a will is now, before it's needed.
Florida's "intestate succession" laws will determine who receives your property. For married people with children from a previous relationship, this can create particularly complex situations. Your property may not go to whom you would have chosen, and the court will decide guardianship for minor children.
While legally possible, DIY wills often fail to address Florida's specific requirements, particularly regarding homestead property. Many homemade wills are found invalid when needed most. I ensure your will complies with all Florida legal requirements and truly accomplishes your goals.
Review your will after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death, significant property purchase) or every 3-5 years. Florida law changes periodically, and your will should adapt accordingly. Moving to Florida from another state is always a good time to review your estate documents.
Florida has unique restrictions on how you can devise homestead property in your will, especially if you have a spouse or minor children. These restrictions can override your will's instructions. I ensure your will properly addresses these homestead provisions to prevent unintended consequences.
While technically valid if properly executed in another state, your out-of-state will likely doesn't account for Florida's unique laws—particularly regarding homestead property. A review and update is strongly recommended after becoming a Florida resident. This is especially important for Palm Beach County's many transplants and snowbirds.
You need your Florida real estate handled correctly, and that's often the gap. Property in Franklin County is subject to Florida law regardless of where you live, and an out-of-state plan may leave your family with an ancillary probate down here — a second court proceeding in a state they don't live in. We can usually avoid that.
In Florida, a will must be:
A self-proving will includes special notarized language that makes it easier to admit to probate after death. This can save time and expense for your family. All wills I prepare include self-proving affidavits.
The process typically includes:
Most wills can be completed within 1-2 weeks from our initial consultation to the final signing. I offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments when needed, and the option to sign entirely remotely.
Basic information includes:
Don't worry if you don't have everything organized—we'll work through the details together during your consultation.
Yes, and you should. Your will is the only legal document where you can name guardians for minor children. We'll discuss your options for both physical guardians (who raises the children) and property guardians (who manages assets for them). This is one of the most important decisions young families make.
Yes, with some limitations. Florida law provides certain protections for spouses that cannot be overcome by a will, including homestead rights and an elective share of the estate. We can discuss legal strategies to accomplish your goals while working within Florida's legal framework.
Blended families require special consideration, particularly regarding homestead property and balancing responsibilities to current spouses and children from previous relationships. I help Palm Beach County's many blended families navigate these complex situations with thoughtful planning that honors all of your relationships and intentions.
While you can include funeral wishes in your will, a separate funeral directive is often more practical, as the will may not be located immediately after death. I can help you create both documents to ensure your wishes are known and honored.
A will directs asset distribution after death and requires probate court oversight. A trust can manage assets during life and after death, potentially avoiding probate and offering greater privacy and control. Both have different advantages we can discuss based on your specific situation. Many Palm Beach County families benefit from having both.
Yes. Florida law allows wills to be executed through remote online notarization (RON). This means you can review and sign your will via secure video conference from anywhere—your home, your office, or even while traveling. The process is legally valid, secure, and incredibly convenient for busy Palm Beach County families.
This comes up often on the Forgotten Coast — a parent or grandparent died years ago, the family kept living on the property and maintaining it, but title was never cleared. The house is lived in but can't be sold, mortgaged, or insured properly. It's fixable, and the fix gets more expensive the longer it waits. Worth a conversation.
Free consultation, no obligation. Meet me in Apalachicola, let me come to you, or start with a phone call.
A will handles what happens after you’re gone. Most Franklin County families also need documents that work while they’re still here, and a way to keep the house out of probate entirely.
Powers of Attorney — who handles your finances if you can’t
Healthcare Directives — who makes medical decisions, and what you want
Lady Bird Deeds — pass your home at death without probate
