Many people insist that they do not need, or want, a Will...If you do not make a Will, your property will be distributed to the persons, and in the order, specifically provided in the intestacy laws of Florida. If you intended to leave specific property to certain children or loved ones, or to donate certain property to a church or charity, without a Will it probably won't happen.
The reason I title this "The Great Love Story" is because, in my opinion, the most important reason for making a Will is so that "you" will be the one who decides who will care for your minor children in the event of your death. By not stating your intentions for the care of your minor children in a Will, the courts will decide and may not place your child(ren) with the person(s) you would have selected. You should decide who will take care of your children in the event of your death, not the courts, the State, or others. The love you have for your children alone should be reason enough to make a Will, regardless of whether you own property or not.
A Will can accomplish much more than distributing your property and appointing a Guardian. Your Will can also state your wishes with regard to your funeral and/or burial, express certain prerequisites that a beneficiary under your Will must meet in order to receive property under your Will, or exclude persons from taking anything under your Will. You can also set up trusts for children, charitable, and other trusts, and appoint conservators over the property given to a minor child under your Will. Some of these instruments may involve additional expense to you and may require consulting with an attorney who is experienced in estate planning...
Ask your attorney about these additional documents when preparing your Will, to determine whether they will suit your needs.
(Published March, 1999, Discovery)