Will Preparation in Tampa, Florida

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Tampa, FL

In Tampa, Florida, many of the issues that sometimes come with a will, such as would-be beneficiaries challenging its validity, or devises which don't make it clear who gets what (resulting in costly and time-consuming litigation) can be avoided if the will is well-drafted in the first place.

Generally, the larger your estate, and the more separate devises you want to make, the more complex the process of drafting your will is going to be. For most people, however, the process can be fairly simple.

But be warned: even a comparatively simple will can encounter delays in the drafting process, which can cause problems later on. An experienced Tampa, Florida lawyer will considerably reduce the chances of this happening, if they help you in the process of robust will preparation.

A significant percentage of the problems that prevent wills from taking effect are caused by failing to follow the required formalities in will preparation. In most states, wills need to be witnessed and signed by at least two people who have no direct interest in the matter. They further have to include a clear written statement that the document is, in fact, the testator's will. It also has to be witnessed by at least two people. Witnesses cannot be anyone who has a direct interest in the will, which encompasses close relatives of the testator and anyone who's named in the will.

Holographic Wills in Tampa, Florida

In some states, "holographic wills" are legitimate. A holographic will is written by hand, in the testator's own handwriting. Such will do not need to have any witnesses to be valid.

A holographic will, where they are allowed, will generally be interpreted liberally, to give effect to the testator's intent if at all possible.

You should know, however, that holographic wills aren't recognized in many states. If you live in one of these states, you're still free to hand write your will, but, in order to be valid, it must be accompanied by all the formalities necessary by the laws of the state it is made in.

Making a holographic will is rarely the ideal option. But it's occasionally the only option. If you find yourself suddenly needing to make a will, a holographic will is definitely an option, if they're recognized in your state. If possible, though, you should still consult with an attorney, who can review your holographic will and suggest any fixes that will make it simpler to meet your goals.

How Can A Tampa, Florida Lawyer Help?

Because there are certain formalities which must be followed in drafting wills, it's always a good idea to seek the guidance of a Tampa, Florida attorney in drafting your will. Even if your will is going to be very simple, and you have the formalities all figured out, mistakes can be made.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Tampa

Tampa is the seat of Hillsboro County, Florida. Tampa is home to nearly 350,000 residents including a number of professional athletes who play on local Tampa based teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers who won Super Bowl XXXVII champions in 2002 play at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa is also home to the Tampa Bay Lightning professional NHL hockey team. The only team claiming the "Tampa Bay" location that does not play within city limits is the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team who play in nearby St. Petersburg.

Downtown Tampa has been undergoing a revitalization project that started in 2007. Residential, hotel, and mixed use building have been constructed in an effort to revamp the downtown region and increase housing values. Rents have reduced and average of 4% in the United States but Tampa has only seen a 2% decrease. The discrepancy could be a result of the new downtown projects, however, Tampa offers outstanding transportation routes including railroad, high speed rail, sea ports, 3 nearby airports, and well maintained streets and highways.

The MacDill Air Force Base is home to the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) as well as an impressive fleet of cutting edge aircraft. Tampa residents and visitors frequent the annual air show that resumed after a 2002 and 2003 hiatus resulting from the 9/11 attacks.

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