Sarasota Wills Lawyer
When it comes to protecting your family’s future and ensuring your wishes are carried out, working with an experienced Sarasota wills lawyer is essential. At Drude Tomori Law, PA, we understand that creating a will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever execute, and we’re committed to helping individuals and families throughout the Sarasota area craft comprehensive estate planning solutions that stand the test of time. Led by Rachel Drude-Tomori, our firm brings over 15 years of legal experience in Florida estate planning to every client we serve, whether you’re a young professional creating your first will or a retiree updating your estate plan.
The Importance of Having a Properly Drafted Will
A properly drafted will serves as the foundation of any comprehensive estate plan, providing clear instructions for how your assets should be distributed after your passing. Without a valid will in place, Florida’s intestacy laws will determine how your property is divided, which may not align with your wishes or your family’s needs. This is particularly important for Sarasota residents who may own property both in Florida and other states, as well as those with complex family situations or significant assets.
Rachel Drude-Tomori takes pains to create wills that are responsive to current and future needs. She knows that tax laws change and family dynamics evolve, which is why every will we draft is designed with flexibility and longevity in mind. Our approach ensures that your will can adapt to life’s changes while maintaining its legal validity and effectiveness in carrying out your wishes.
Beyond basic asset distribution, a comprehensive will can address guardianship designations for minor children, specific bequests to charitable organizations, and provisions for pets. For Sarasota business owners, a will can work in conjunction with business succession planning documents to ensure both personal and professional legacies are protected.
Understanding Florida Will Requirements and Probate
Florida has specific legal requirements that must be met for a will to be considered valid and enforceable. These requirements include proper execution procedures, witness requirements, and specific language that must be included to ensure the document will be accepted by the probate court. The Sarasota County Probate Court, located in downtown Sarasota, handles all probate matters for the area, and having a will that meets Florida’s stringent requirements is crucial for a smooth probate process.
Probate is the court-supervised process required to give effect to a will and close out a person’s estate. In Florida, there are different types of probate proceedings depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Formal administration is required for larger estates, while summary administration may be available for smaller estates that meet certain criteria. Our team guides personal representatives through every step of the probate process, from filing the initial petition to distributing assets and closing the estate.
For many Sarasota residents, particularly those with homes near Siesta Key, downtown Sarasota, or other valuable real estate, proper will planning can help streamline the probate process and reduce costs for beneficiaries. We also help clients understand when a pour-over will might be appropriate to work in conjunction with a trust, or when a standalone will is the best approach for directing asset distribution.
Customized Will Planning for Sarasota Families
Every family situation is unique, and cookie-cutter approaches to will planning often fail to address the specific needs and goals of our clients. Rachel brings extensive experience working with diverse client situations, from young families just starting out to established business owners and retirees. This experience allows us to craft wills that truly reflect each client’s circumstances and priorities.
For families with special needs children, we integrate supplemental needs trust provisions into will planning to ensure continued care without jeopardizing government benefits. Parents and grandparents in the Sarasota area often have concerns about providing for children with disabilities, and our specialized knowledge in this area provides peace of mind and practical solutions.
Business owners throughout Sarasota, from those operating restaurants on Main Street to professionals with practices near Sarasota Memorial Hospital, require sophisticated will planning that coordinates with their business succession plans. We help ensure that both personal and business assets are properly addressed, whether that involves specific instructions for business continuation or provisions for the orderly sale of business interests.
For clients with significant estates, we implement advanced strategies to minimize estate tax exposure while ensuring family wealth preservation. This might include charitable bequests that provide tax benefits, life insurance planning, or coordination with irrevocable trust structures that work alongside the will to achieve comprehensive estate planning objectives.
Sarasota Wills FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to create a valid will in Florida?
While Florida law doesn’t require attorney assistance to create a will, having experienced legal guidance ensures your will meets all state requirements and truly accomplishes your goals. DIY wills often contain errors or omissions that can lead to costly probate disputes or unintended consequences for your beneficiaries.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every three to five years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant changes in assets, or changes in Florida law. Regular updates ensure your will continues to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
What happens if I die without a will in Sarasota?
If you die without a valid will, Florida’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed. This process may not align with your wishes and can create complications for your family, particularly if you have a blended family or specific preferences for asset distribution.
Can I include my digital assets in my will?
Yes, Florida law recognizes digital assets, and your will can include provisions for accessing and distributing online accounts, digital files, and cryptocurrency. This is increasingly important as more people maintain significant digital property and online presence.
What’s the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will takes effect after death and must go through probate, while a living trust can help you avoid probate entirely. Both have advantages depending on your situation, and many comprehensive estate plans include both documents working together to achieve different objectives.
How long does probate take in Sarasota County?
Probate timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the estate and whether any disputes arise. Simple estates might be completed in six months to a year, while complex estates or those involving litigation can take much longer.
Can I disinherit family members in my will?
Florida law allows you to disinherit most family members, but there are important exceptions, particularly regarding spouses and homestead property. Proper legal guidance ensures any disinheritance provisions are enforceable and won’t be successfully challenged in court.
Serving Throughout Sarasota
- Downtown Sarasota
- Siesta Key
- Lido Key
- Bird Key
- Longboat Key
- Bayfront
- Southside Village
- Gillespie Park
- Arlington Park
- Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
Contact a Sarasota Wills Attorney Today
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance or allow Florida’s intestacy laws to determine how your assets are distributed. The experienced team at Drude Tomori Law, PA is ready to help you create a comprehensive will that protects your legacy and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. With our deep understanding of Florida estate planning law and commitment to personalized service, we’ll work closely with you to ensure your will accurately reflects your wishes and stands up to legal scrutiny. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your family’s future with proper estate planning.
