Take The First Step In Creating A Will With Our Port St. Lucie Lawyers
Last updated on May 5, 2026
The main point of creating a comprehensive estate plan is to know that your assets will be transferred effectively when you pass on. To this end, a will is one of the most important estate-planning documents available. It is a document that identifies your assets and states which beneficiaries they should go to after your death.
At The Siegel Law Firm, P.A., we can take the anxiety and confusion out of making a will. Our family-operated law firm brings more than 50 combined years of experience to the practice of law. We help clients in Jupiter and throughout southern Florida create comprehensive estate plans that include wills and other essential documents.
Common Types Of Wills
There is not one type of will that works for everyone. In fact, there are numerous types of wills for different situations, including:
- Simple wills: It states your intention, lists the assets you want to transfer, names the people to receive those assets and names someone to execute the instructions of the will. Ideal for someone without complex holdings or significant assets.
- Pour-over wills: Transfers your assets into a revocable living trust upon your death. This helps your beneficiaries avoid probate and minimizes the tax implications.
- Mirror image wills: Since Florida does not use joint wills, you can use a mirror image will. This is when spouses make each other the beneficiary of their assets. They are nonbinding; the guarantor can alter them at any time.
- Out-of-state wills: Many people reside in Florida part-time. If you have a legally drafted will in another state, Florida courts will generally honor it. The exceptions are oral wills and handwritten wills.
These are some of the common will options. Each has its own benefits and limitations. It is critical to talk with an experienced estate planning attorney from our firm who can explain your options and help you through the process.
What Makes A Will Valid?
For a Florida court to honor your will, the document must meet strict legal requirements. These include:
- You must be 18 or older when you make your will
- You must be of sound mind when you make and sign it
- You sign your will in the presence of two witnesses
- The witnesses also sign the document in your presence and the presence of each other
While a notary is not required for validity, adding a self-proving affidavit with a notary can speed up the probate process significantly. Our estate planning lawyers can make sure that your documents meet every state standard.
What Happens To A Will Once It Is Created?
After your will is signed, it becomes an active part of your estate plan. It should be handled with care, reviewed over time and prepared for use when needed.
In practical terms, the following steps take place soon after a will is created:
- Secure storage: Your will should be kept in a safe and accessible place. We help ensure the right people know where to locate it without confusion.
- Ongoing review: Life changes can affect your wishes over time. We meet with you to update your will so it stays accurate and relevant.
- Clear communication: Key individuals should understand their roles. We help explain responsibilities so there are no surprises later.
Taking these early steps helps avoid problems down the road. It also gives your family clear direction when decisions need to be made.
As time goes on, your will should remain aligned with the rest of your estate plan, including the following:
- Coordination with trusts: If you have a trust, your will should support it.
- Asset consistency: Property and accounts may change over time. We review your plan to confirm everything is properly addressed.
- Beneficiary alignment: Your will should match your overall goals. We help ensure nothing is overlooked or left unclear.
Keeping everything aligned reduces the risk of disputes or delays. It also helps your loved ones carry out your wishes with confidence.
When the time comes, the will is used during the probate process, which involves several important steps, including:
- Filing the will with the court: The original document must be submitted properly. We handle this to avoid delays or errors.
- Guiding the personal representative: The person you named has legal duties to fulfill. We provide support so each step is handled correctly.
- Distributing assets: Debts are addressed, and property is passed to beneficiaries. We help keep the process organized and moving forward.
Having our support during this stage can make a meaningful difference. Our experienced and committed legal team remains available to guide your family and help carry out your plan as intended.