Last Will Attorney in Hollywood, FL

Guiding Your Family Through Estate Difficulties With Clarity and Care

Planning your legacy should feel clear and controlled, not confusing or rushed. If you live in Hollywood, FL, your last will and testament is the foundation of an estate plan that protects your family, directs your property, and prevents avoidable disputes. Our firm helps Hollywood residents create legally sound wills that reflect their wishes and comply with Florida probate law.

From Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills to Boulevard Heights and North Central Hollywood, we regularly assist individuals, blended families, retirees, and business owners with tailored will strategies. Whether you need to draft your first will, update an outdated one, or resolve a will contest, Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. is ready to help as your dedicated last will attorney in Hollywood.

Call now at (954) 764-7273 to schedule a confidential will planning consultation.

What a Florida Last Will Does and Why It Matters

Your last will and testament communicates who receives your property, who will administer your estate, and who will serve as guardian of minor children. In Florida, a well-drafted will can streamline probate, reduce family friction, and provide clarity about homestead, personal property, and digital assets. When you work with our Hollywood last will lawyer team, we translate your goals into precise, enforceable instructions that hold up in Broward County probate proceedings.

A strong will also coordinates with beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts, titles on bank or brokerage accounts, and any trusts you may have. We ensure your will and non-probate transfers do not conflict. This alignment helps avoid costly estate litigation later.

Requirements for a Valid Florida Will

Florida probate law sets clear requirements for validity. In general, the testator must be 18 or older and of sound mind, the will must be in writing and signed at the end by the testator, and it must be witnessed and signed by at least two witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other. A self-proving affidavit, properly executed before a notary, can simplify probate by allowing the court to accept the will without locating witnesses later. Our attorneys prepare your documents to meet these standards and to anticipate practical issues that often arise in the Broward County probate division.

Choosing a Personal Representative

Your personal representative (sometimes called an executor in other states) manages your estate, pays valid debts, and distributes assets according to your will. In Florida, the personal representative must meet statutory qualifications. We help you select the right person or corporate fiduciary and draft alternates. For families in Hollywood, clear guidance for your personal representative can shorten timelines and minimize misunderstandings among beneficiaries.

Specific, General, and Residuary Bequests

A comprehensive will addresses specific gifts, general gifts, and the residuary estate. We help you structure these provisions so your priority beneficiaries are not unintentionally shortchanged if asset values change. If you own a homestead property in Hollywood, special Florida rules can affect devises to a spouse or minor children. Our team drafts with these rules in mind to protect your family and reduce the risk of a will contest.

Guardianship Provisions for Minor Children

Parents can nominate a guardian for minor children in a will. While a court must confirm the appointment, your nomination carries significant weight. We help you state your preferences clearly, provide alternatives, and include guidance about schooling, faith, and financial management through the use of testamentary trusts when appropriate.

Updating and Revoking a Will

Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, relocation, or major purchases should prompt a will review. Florida law handles revocation and partial changes in specific ways. We can update your will with a codicil or prepare a new will to reflect your current intentions. If you recently moved to Hollywood from another state, we can review your existing will for Florida compliance and local probate practice.

Will Contests and Estate Litigation in Hollywood

Disputes sometimes arise after a loved one passes. Common grounds for challenging a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, improper execution, or fraud. Our probate attorney team in Hollywood represents beneficiaries, personal representatives, and caretakers in will contests and related estate litigation. We evaluate the facts, the medical and witness records, and the execution formalities to build a focused strategy.

Because will challenges proceed in the Broward County probate courts, timing and evidence are critical. We move quickly to preserve records, obtain necessary affidavits, and address any immediate risks to estate assets. Many disputes can be resolved through targeted negotiation or mediation. If a trial is necessary, our litigators are prepared to present a clear, credible case that protects your interests and the decedent’s true intentions.

How Our Hollywood Team Helps With Your Last Will

Clients choose Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., to draft, update, and defend wills because we focus on Florida probate law and the full life cycle of an estate plan. For residents of Hollywood, our services include:

• Drafting new wills that comply with Florida execution requirements, with self-proving affidavits to ease probate.
• Reviewing existing wills for conflicts with beneficiary designations and account titling.
• Coordinating wills with revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care directives to minimize confusion.
• Advising on Florida homestead, elective share, and spousal rights that can affect devises.
• Preparing clear instructions for personal representatives and guardians.
• Representing clients in will contests and estate litigation in Broward County courts.

If you are comparing firms, be sure to read client feedback and community reputation before you decide. When you are ready, explore our client reviews to learn how we guide families through Hollywood probate matters.

Hollywood, FL Probate Process Overview

Most Florida estates go through probate, the court-supervised process of administering a decedent’s property. In Broward County, the probate division oversees formal and summary administration. A self-proved will, clear fiduciary appointments, and organized asset information can help avoid avoidable delays.

• Filing the petition. The nominated personal representative files the will and petition to open the estate.
• Appointment and notice. After the appointment, the personal representative provides notice to interested parties and creditors.
• Inventory and claims. The estate inventory is filed, and creditor claims are addressed within statutory timeframes.
• Administration and distribution. Valid debts, taxes, and expenses are paid; the remaining assets are distributed according to the will.
• Closing the estate. When administration is complete, the estate is closed with the court.

Our Hollywood last will lawyer team supports personal representatives through each step, coordinating with accountants, appraisers, and financial institutions to keep the process moving.

Strategic Planning for Complex Assets

Some Hollywood families hold assets that require special attention:

• Real estate. Investment properties, homestead, and condos may involve homeowners' associations, insurance, and title issues. Your will should align with deeds and any ladybird deed or trust planning you have in place.
• Closely held businesses. Succession instructions can prevent disruption to employees, customers, and family members. We coordinate your will with shareholder agreements and buy-sell provisions.
• Digital assets. Photos, email, social media, and crypto require careful instructions and lawful access for your personal representative.
• Out-of-state property. Ancillary probate may be necessary where property is located. We plan for these filings to reduce delays.

Avoiding Conflicts and Will Contests

Clarity is the best defense against disputes. We draft with precision, incorporate plain language explanations where helpful, and address known family dynamics. If you anticipate a challenge, we can document capacity, witness interactions, and the absence of undue influence. We also review caregiver relationships and gift patterns that might raise questions later. If litigation cannot be avoided, our probate attorney team in Hollywood is equipped to protect your position in court.

Cost, Timing, and What to Bring

During your initial consultation, we discuss your goals, assets, and family structure. Bring identification, a list of assets and account titles, beneficiary designations, prior wills or codicils, and any trust documents. We will also ask about guardianship preferences and personal representative choices. You will leave with a clear plan, a timeline for drafting and signing, and a transparent fee structure. Many clients complete their will within a few meetings, and we offer convenient signing options that meet Florida’s execution requirements.

When To Update Your Will

Consider a will review if any of the following have occurred:

• Marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse or beneficiary
• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• Significant changes in wealth, business ownership, or real estate holdings
• Relocation to or from Florida
• Health changes that warrant new fiduciary or care directives
• Changes in relationships with named personal representatives or guardians

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a last will if I have a revocable trust?

Yes. A will is typically used alongside a revocable trust to name guardians for minor children and to serve as a pour-over instrument that transfers any assets you did not title to the trust during life. This ensures nothing is left outside your plan.

Can I handwrite my will in Florida?

Florida generally does not recognize unwitnessed handwritten wills. To protect your wishes, prepare a typed will that complies with Florida execution requirements and include a self-proving affidavit so the court can admit your will without locating witnesses.

How often should I update my will?

Review your will every three to five years and after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a move to Hollywood, FL, or a significant change in assets. Updates can be handled with a codicil or a new will, depending on the scope.

What happens if someone contests a will?

A person with standing can challenge a will based on allegations like lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. The probate court will examine evidence, witness testimony, and medical records as needed. Early legal guidance can help protect your interests.

Who should serve as my personal representative?

Choose a qualified and trustworthy person who is organized and impartial. Discuss the role in advance and name alternates. You may also select a professional or corporate fiduciary if family dynamics are complex or if the estate includes business or multi-state assets.

Will my will avoid probate?

A will guides probate; it does not avoid it. Certain assets may pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or trusts. We design your plan to coordinate probate and non-probate transfers for a smooth administration.

Protect your wishes in Hollywood with a clear, Florida-compliant will

You have worked hard to build your life in Hollywood, FL. A well-drafted will puts you in control, reduces stress for your family, and can prevent costly disputes. Our team will translate your goals into a clear plan and coordinate all signatures to meet Florida requirements.

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.