Updating, Adding, Disinheriting & Removal from Will
When your plans change, update your will with Geoff’s help
You're the boss of your will: if you want to tweak things like who gets what or add new details, The Levy Firm PLLC can put you in control. Fort Lauderdale estate planning and will lawyer Geoff Levy has an intricate knowledge of federal and Florida law and a talent for truly representing what you want.
People change their wills for many reasons. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children often necessitate reviewing and updating your estate plans to ensure they align with your family's current needs and circumstances. Typical changes to wills include:
- Adding Beneficiaries. When a new family member, like a child or grandchild, is born or adopted, you may want to ensure they are included as a beneficiary.
- Removing or Disinheriting Beneficiaries. If you've had a falling-out with a family member or your circumstances have changed, you might consider removing them as a beneficiary.
- Adjusting Inheritance Percentages. Changes in your financial situation or family dynamics might warrant reevaluating how much each family member receives.
- Updating Asset Distribution. Acquiring new assets, like property or investments, or selling existing ones may necessitate updating how your assets are distributed among your family.
- Adding Specific Bequests. You may want to leave sentimental items, such as heirlooms, to specific family members.
- Designating a New Personal Representative. If your current executor is no longer suitable or available, you may want to designate a new family member or trusted individual to carry out your wishes.
- Updating Guardianship Provisions. As your children grow or family circumstances change, you may need to designate new guardians to care for them in case of your incapacity or passing.
- Altering Funeral and Burial Instructions. Your preferences for your final arrangements may evolve over time.
Florida conditions and restrictions for changing your will
Once a will is executed, certain legal requirements must be met to make changes, such as the need for witnesses and proper signatures. In addition, there are some changes the State of Florida will not allow you to make, such as:
- Attempting to Disinherit a Spouse Entirely
- Altering the Inheritance Rights of Minor Children Beyond Statutory Protections
Furthermore, fraudulent or coerced changes, or alterations made while lacking mental capacity, could be grounds for the will to be contested after your death.
Seeking guidance from an estate planning lawyer ensures that any modifications to your will comply with Florida's laws, thus minimizing the risk of future disputes and invalidation.
Geoff can draft a will customized to meet your needs
For personalized assistance in drafting or updating your will, turn to The Levy Firm PLLC in Fort Lauderdale. Estate planning lawyer Geoff Levy can tailor a will to accurately reflect your intentions and remain legally sound. If you need to change or draft a will in South Florida, contact Geoff for a free consultation. He can answer your questions and explain your options. There’s no cost; just information from a trusted lawyer.