Last Will Attorney Florida

Guiding You Through Florida Will Disputes

After the loss of a loved one, questions about a last will can create confusion and tension on top of grief. You may be unsure if the document is valid, concerned about a sudden change in beneficiaries, or worried that you are being treated unfairly under Florida law. In these moments, you need clear information and steady legal guidance.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we help families, executors, beneficiaries, trustees, and heirs work through complex issues involving last wills and probate in Florida. Since 2002, our firm has represented more than 5,000 clients in estate-related disputes and has obtained over $230 million in verdicts and settlements in probate, trust, and estate litigation matters. We focus on protecting rights, honoring genuine testamentary intent, and working toward fair outcomes.

Call today for a free case evaluation at (954) 764-7273. Prefer to write? Send a message through our contact form, and we will respond promptly.

How We Help With Florida Wills

When a will is filed for probate in a Florida circuit court, many different people can be affected. We regularly advise and represent personal representatives, beneficiaries named in a will, family members who were left out, creditors, and trustees who must coordinate with the estate. Our goal is to help you understand your legal position and what steps realistically make sense.

Common situations we see include last-minute changes that favor one relative or caregiver, wills signed when a person’s health was declining, unclear provisions about who receives what, and disputes over how an estate is being administered. We also see conflict when there are blended families, long term partners, or beneficiaries who live outside Florida and are unfamiliar with Florida probate rules.

We begin by listening carefully to your story and reviewing the will, any prior documents, and available background information. Then we explain your options in plain language, whether that means considering a will contest, defending the existing will, objecting to the appointment or actions of a personal representative, or addressing related trust issues. Our attorneys are prepared to negotiate where possible and to litigate in probate court when necessary to protect your interests.

Our firm’s credentials support this work. Our founding partner holds an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell and a “10 Superb” rating from Avvo, and has been included among Florida’s Legal Elite and recognized by Forbes Florida and American Lawyer. Our team includes attorneys with backgrounds in estate planning, uncontested probates, law enforcement, and civil litigation, which can be especially valuable in cases involving alleged exploitation of the elderly or breach of fiduciary duty.

Common Last Will Disputes In Florida

Understanding how and why last will disputes arise can help you decide whether your concerns may justify legal action. Under Florida law, there are several recognized grounds on which a will may be challenged, and each ground depends on specific facts and evidence. We work with clients to evaluate which, if any, of these grounds may apply to their situation.

One frequent issue involves testamentary capacity. The law requires that a person signing a will understand in general terms what property they have, who their natural heirs are, and what it means to sign a will. When there is advanced dementia, serious cognitive decline, or heavy medication around the time the will was signed, capacity can become a central question.

Undue influence is another common ground for challenging a will. This typically involves a person in a position of trust or control over the decedent, such as a caregiver or family member, using pressure or manipulation to secure a larger share of the estate. Sudden changes that strongly favor someone who controlled access to the decedent or isolated them from family may be warning signs.

Fraud and duress can also affect the validity of a will. Fraud might involve misrepresentations about what a document is or what it says. Duress involves threats or coercion that overcome the will of the person signing. In addition, Florida has specific requirements for the proper execution of a will, including witnesses and signatures. If those rules were not followed, the document may be vulnerable to challenge in a Florida probate court.

Some warning signs that may suggest a will problem include:

• Large or unexpected changes benefiting a new person late in the decedent’s life
• A will prepared when the signer was seriously ill or cognitively impaired
• Isolation of the decedent from family or long-term friends
• Statements by the decedent that conflict with the terms of the signed will
• Pressure on others to keep the will secret or to sign documents quickly

Our attorneys have handled many contested matters in probate divisions, including in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. We work to connect the law to the real history of your family and to identify whether a challenge, defense, or negotiated resolution is the most practical path.

What To Do If You Question A Will

If you are uneasy about a will related to a Florida estate, your actions in the early stages can significantly affect your options. Florida probate procedure includes deadlines for filing objections or contesting a will, and those deadlines can sometimes be measured in weeks, not years. Once orders are entered or rights are waived, it may be difficult or impossible to undo them.

It is often wise to gather information before taking any formal step. Obtain a copy of the current will, and if possible, any prior wills or codicils. Note the dates of those documents and consider what was happening in the decedent’s life at those times. If you have access to medical records, medication lists, or notes from treating doctors around the time of execution, these may help your attorney assess capacity issues.

You should be cautious about signing receipts, waivers, or consents that you receive from the personal representative, the estate’s attorney, or a county probate clerk’s office. These documents can affect your rights, including your ability to object later. If you feel pressured to sign quickly, or you do not fully understand what a document does, it is usually best to pause and seek legal advice.

To prepare for a consultation with our firm, it is helpful to gather:

• Copies of the will and any earlier wills you can locate
• Any probate notices or court papers you have received
• Basic information about the estate’s assets and debts as you understand them
• A timeline of key events, including health changes and relationship changes
• Names of people who may have information about the decedent’s condition or intentions

During your initial meeting, we will review this information, explain how Florida probate timelines might apply, and discuss realistic options. Whether you are in Fort Lauderdale or living out of state with a Florida estate at issue, our attorneys can help you understand the risks and potential benefits of acting or not acting.

Our Approach To Florida Will Litigation

When a Florida will dispute moves beyond questions and into formal litigation, you need a team that understands both the law and the practical realities of contested probate. At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we handle will contests and related estate litigation throughout Florida, regularly appearing in circuit court probate divisions on behalf of clients with different roles and perspectives.

We usually begin with a structured evaluation. Our attorneys review the will, prior documents, medical information that is available, financial records related to the disputed transfers, and communications that may shed light on intent. We also look at the timeline of events and family history to understand how the current situation developed. We explain our analysis and likely issues in clear terms, so you can make informed decisions about filing or responding to a petition.

In cases involving undue influence, fraud, or elder exploitation, our team draws on litigation skills and, where relevant, law enforcement experience within our group to identify and pursue evidence. This can involve examining patterns of control, changes in powers of attorney, financial transactions, and the role of caregivers or advisors. Our goal is to present a strong picture of what happened to the court.

Not every case needs to go through a full trial. We frequently use negotiation and, where appropriate, mediation to seek resolutions that avoid extended conflict while still protecting our clients’ interests. At the same time, our history of more than $230 million in verdicts and settlements and our representation of thousands of estate-related clients since 2002 show that we are prepared to litigate when necessary. Whether your dispute is in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, or another part of Florida, we work to align our strategy with your goals and the realities of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to contest a will in Florida?

The time to contest a will in Florida can be short. In many cases, a person has a limited number of days after receiving formal notice of administration to file objections. The exact deadline depends on the type of notice and the court’s actions, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly.

Can you help me if I live outside Florida?

Yes. Many of our clients live outside the state but have interests in a Florida estate. We can communicate by phone, video, and email, and we handle filings in the appropriate Florida circuit court. Our team works to keep you informed so distance does not prevent you from protecting your rights.

What will it cost to hire your firm for a will dispute?

The cost of a will dispute depends on factors such as complexity, level of conflict, and how the other parties respond. We offer a free initial consultation to review your situation and discuss potential fee structures. During that meeting, we explain likely costs and options so you can make an informed decision.

How will your attorneys keep me informed about my case?

We focus on clear and regular communication. Our attorneys and staff work to update you about key developments, upcoming hearings, and settlement discussions. We also explain legal terms and court procedures in everyday language, so you understand what is happening and can participate in decisions about your case.

What should I bring to our first meeting about a will?

It helps to bring any wills or codicils you have, probate papers, and written communications about the estate. A simple timeline of events and a list of people involved are also useful. With this information, we can better assess your concerns and outline realistic options under Florida law.

Talk With Our Team About Your Florida Will Concerns

If you are facing questions about a last will in connection with a Florida estate, you do not have to sort through the law and family conflict alone. Our attorneys at Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. help clients understand their rights, evaluate whether to contest or defend a will, and navigate probate courts throughout the state.

We combine years of focused work in probate, trust, and estate litigation with a commitment to compassionate, individualized guidance. Your first consultation is free, so you can speak with a last will lawyer in Florida about your specific situation without an upfront cost. We will listen, review available information, and discuss potential paths forward.

To schedule your free consultation, call (954) 764-7273. We will listen, explain your options, and outline the next steps today.