Will Attorney in Lakeland

20+ Years of Family Law Experience & Now Serving Polk County Estate Planning Clients

A last will and testament does more than distribute property. It names who manages your estate, designates a guardian for your minor children, and gives your family a clear path forward during an already difficult time. Without one, Florida’s intestate succession statutes decide those questions for you, and the outcome may not match what you intended. I work with Lakeland and Polk County families to help make sure their wills hold up when it matters.

At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., I’ve spent more than 20 years helping clients navigate family law and estate planning. My practice serves Polk, Hillsborough, and Osceola counties, and I offer consultations in both English and Spanish. I also offer a free initial consultation to get you started.

Call a will attorney in Lakeland at Advocate Law Firm, P.A.. Reach us at (863) 644-5566 to schedule your free consultation.

Why Work with a Will Lawyer in Lakeland?

Working with a local Florida attorney means your will accounts for the specifics of state law, including Florida’s execution formalities, homestead property rules, and probate court procedures in Polk County. Generic online templates can’t do that. I provide personalized will drafting that reflects your actual family structure, your asset types, and the people you want to care for your estate.

I bring more than two decades of family law experience to every estate planning matter. I use every available legal resource on behalf of my clients and approach each situation with the individualized attention it deserves. My representation extends inside and outside of court, and I’m committed to making the process as clear and manageable as possible.

Florida’s Requirements for a Valid Will

Florida’s rules for executing a valid will are set out in Fla. Stat. § 732.502, and errors at the signing ceremony are the most common reason a will gets challenged or invalidated. Understanding those requirements before you sign is essential.

The core requirements under Fla. Stat. § 732.502 include:

• Age and capacity: Under Fla. Stat. § 732.501, the testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, meaning they understand the nature of a will, the extent of their assets, and who their natural heirs are.
• Written document: Florida doesn’t recognize oral wills or purely handwritten, unwitnessed wills. The will must be a written, signed document.
• Testator’s signature: The testator must sign at the end of the will, or direct another person to sign on their behalf while present.
• Two witnesses: At least two witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other. All signatures must occur at the same time.
• Beneficiary as witness: Under Fla. Stat. § 732.504, a beneficiary who serves as a witness doesn’t void the will, and their inheritance isn’t reduced or forfeited solely because they witnessed it. That said, using disinterested witnesses remains best practice.

A self-proving affidavit under Fla. Stat. § 732.503 adds an important layer of protection. When the testator and both witnesses sign before a notary, either at execution or at any subsequent date, the will can be admitted to probate without requiring witness testimony later. It’s not legally required, but omitting it can delay probate if witnesses become unavailable. If your circumstances change after signing, a codicil can amend your will, but it must be executed with the same formalities as the original under Fla. Stat. § 732.502(5).

Creating Personalized Wills That Reflect Your Wishes

Every client’s situation is different, and a will should reflect that. I focus on drafting documents that address your specific circumstances: provisions for minor children, property distribution, charitable gifts, and the people you trust to carry out your wishes.

Designating a personal representative, the executor responsible for managing the estate and carrying out its terms through the probate process, is one of the most consequential decisions in will drafting. Naming a guardian for minor children is another. I walk clients through both decisions carefully, along with options for specific bequests of personal property, charitable gifts, and testamentary trusts for minor beneficiaries. The goal is a document that reflects your actual intentions, not a generic form.

Bilingual Legal Services for Lakeland’s Spanish-Speaking Community

Estate planning documents must be fully understood by the person signing them. Polk County has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and language should never stand between a family and the legal protections they need. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. offers consultations and services in both English and Spanish, so every client receives the same quality of guidance regardless of their preferred language.

From the initial consultation through will execution, I communicate in whichever language makes the process clearest for you. That commitment to accessibility reflects the broader mission of this firm: making legal processes manageable for everyone in the community I serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Lakeland?

Under Fla. Stat. § 732.502, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator at the end of the document, and witnessed by at least two individuals who sign in the presence of the testator and each other. The testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Working with a will attorney in Lakeland can help you make sure your will meets these requirements and is prepared to address potential challenges.

How Often Should I Update My Will?

Review your will after any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a named executor or beneficiary, or the acquisition of significant assets. Outside of those triggers, a periodic review every few years is advisable to confirm the document still reflects your current situation. Staying current can help reduce complications during estate administration.

Can I Write My Own Will?

Florida law doesn’t require an attorney, but common DIY errors include witnesses signing outside each other’s presence, omitting a self-proving affidavit, and using ambiguous distribution language that invites disputes. Working with Advocate Law Firm, P.A. can help you prepare a thorough document that is properly executed and compliant with Florida law.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Lakeland?

Without a will, Florida’s intestate succession statutes govern how your estate is distributed, and the outcome may not match your wishes. Guardianship of minor children also becomes a court determination rather than your own. Beyond the financial and custodial stakes, the absence of a will can fuel disputes among family members. A valid will can reduce much of that uncertainty.

How Can a Will Attorney in Lakeland Help Me?

An attorney can help ensure your will satisfies Fla. Stat. § 732.502, supervise the signing ceremony, and provide evidence of your mental capacity if the will is later challenged. Attorneys also guide personal representatives through probate administration, which can help keep the process on track and reduce delays or disputes for your family.

Secure Your Future with Advocate Law Firm, P.A.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. I’m Melissa A. Wilson, and I’ve spent more than 20 years helping Polk County families protect what matters most. Whether you’re drafting your first will or updating one after a major life change, I’m ready to help you get it right. Schedule a consultation and let’s build a plan that reflects where your life stands today.

Call (863) 644-5566 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with Advocate Law Firm, P.A. today.