WILLS & ESTATES
WHAT IS A WILL?
A will is a written direction controlling the disposition of property at
death. The laws of each state set the formal requirements for a legal
will. In Florida
- You, the maker of the will (called the testator), must be at least 18 years old
- You must be of sound mind at the time you sign your will
- Your will must be written
- Your will must be witnessed and notarized in the special manner provided
by law for wills
- It is necessary to follow exactly the formalities required for the execution of a will
- To be effective, your will must be proved in, and allowed by, the probate court
No will becomes final until the death of the testator. It may be changed
or added to by the testator by drawing a new will or by a codicil, which
is simply an addition or amendment executed with the same formalities
as a will. A will's terms cannot be changed by writing something in
or crossing something out after the will is executed. In fact, writing
on the will after its execution may invalidate part or all of the will.