Top Will Services in Pembroke Pines
Nobody wants to think about what happens after they're gone. But here's the thing, if you don't decide who gets your house in Pembroke Pines, your savings, or even who takes care of your kids, Florida law will decide for you. And it might not go the way you'd want.
A will is one of those things people put off until it feels urgent. But by then, it's sometimes too late. If you live in Pembroke Pines and you've been meaning to get your affairs in order, you're not alone. Most families wait longer than they should. The good news? Getting a will done doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Carol L. Grant, P.A. helps families in Pembroke Pines create wills that actually make sense. No confusing legal language. No unnecessary delays. Just clear plans that protect what matters most to you.
Whether you're a young parent buying your first home near Chapel Trail, a retiree in Century Village, or someone who just wants to make sure your family doesn't fight over everything when you're gone, having a will gives you control, and peace of mind.
What a Will Actually Is
A will is a legal document that says who gets your stuff when you die. That includes your house, your car, your bank accounts, jewelry, and anything else you own. It also lets you name guardians for your minor children if something happens to you.
Without a will, Florida's intestacy laws take over. That means a judge decides how your assets get divided based on a formula. Your spouse might not get everything. Your kids might have to wait months or years. And people you didn't want involved could end up with a say in your estate.
From a legal standpoint, a will must meet specific Florida requirements to be valid. It needs to be in writing, signed by you in front of two witnesses, and those witnesses also need to sign. If it's done wrong, it won't hold up in probate court.
A properly drafted will can also name a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) to handle your estate, specify how debts and taxes get paid, and even include specific gifts to people or charities you care about.
Why Wills Matter for Pembroke Pines Residents
Pembroke Pines is full of families at different stages of life. You've got young couples starting out in the Pasadena Lakes area, middle-aged professionals in Silver Lakes, and retirees enjoying their years in Century Village or Pembroke Falls. No matter where you are in life, a will protects your family from unnecessary stress.
Florida's probate process can take months, even over a year in some cases. If you die without a will, your family has to go through formal administration, which means hiring lawyers, filing paperwork with the Broward County court, and waiting for a judge to approve every decision. That costs money and time.
In Pembroke Pines, many families own homes that have appreciated significantly over the years. If you bought a house here 20 or 30 years ago, it's probably worth a lot more now. Without a will, your heirs might have to sell that property just to cover legal fees and divide the proceeds according to state law, even if that's not what you wanted.
There's also the issue of blended families, which are common in South Florida. If you remarried and have kids from a previous marriage, Florida law might not distribute your assets the way you'd expect. A will lets you be clear about who gets what, so there's no confusion or conflict later.
And if you have young children, a will is the only way to legally name who would raise them if both parents pass away. Without it, a judge makes that decision, and it might not be the person you would have chosen.
How We Help You Create a Will
Creating a will with Carol L. Grant, P.A. is straightforward. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We sit down and talk about your situation. What do you own? Who do you want to inherit it? Do you have minor children who need guardians? We listen and take notes.
Step 2: Drafting Your Will
We prepare a draft that reflects your wishes. This includes naming beneficiaries, selecting a personal representative, and addressing any specific concerns you have. We make sure it meets all Florida legal requirements.
Step 3: Review and Revisions
You review the draft, and we make any changes you need. This is your document, so it needs to feel right.
Step 4: Signing and Witnessing
Once everything looks good, we arrange for proper signing with witnesses present. This step is critical, it's what makes your will legally valid.
Step 5: Safe Storage
We can help you store your will securely and make sure your family knows where to find it when the time comes.
The whole process usually takes a few weeks, depending on how complex your situation is. Most people are surprised by how simple it is once they actually start.
Wills FAQ
Do I really need a will if I don't have much?
Yes. Even if you don't own a mansion, you probably have things that matter, a car, a bank account, personal belongings. Without a will, the state decides who gets everything. A will also lets you name guardians for your kids, which is priceless.
How much does a will cost?
It depends on how complicated your situation is. A simple will costs less than dealing with probate without one. Carol offers an initial consultation to understand your needs and give you a clear quote. Most people find it's more affordable than they expected.
What happens if I die without a will in Florida?
Your estate goes through probate, and Florida's intestacy laws determine who inherits. If you're married with kids, your spouse might only get half. If you're single with kids, they split everything equally, even if one needs more help than the others. And if you have no close relatives, the state could take your assets.
Can I write my own will?
Technically, yes. But homemade wills often have mistakes that cause them to be rejected in probate court. A small error in how it's signed or witnessed can make the whole thing invalid. Working with an attorney ensures it's done right the first time.
How often should I update my will?
Anytime something major changes, marriage, divorce, birth of a child, buying a house, or if someone you named in the will passes away. It's a good idea to review your will every few years to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
Serving Pembroke Pines and Surrounding South Florida Communities
Our office is located in Pembroke Pines, and we proudly serve families throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including:
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Hollywood
- Davie
- Cooper City
- Weston
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
- and surrounding areas of South Florida
No matter where you live in the region, we're here to help you build a plan that can protect your family and reflect your values.
Get Your Will Done Right
You don't have to spend weeks worrying about this. You don't need to understand every legal term. You just need someone who can help you get it done, clearly, correctly, and without the stress.
Carol L. Grant, P.A. has been helping Pembroke Pines families create wills for years. If you're ready to stop putting it off, give us a call at (954) 404-8274 or click here to Book A Call. We'll walk you through it step by step.
Our office is located at 1601 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 1, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028. We're open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Let's make sure your family is protected.