Create A Will With The Help Of A Trusted Winter Garden Lawyer
Last updated on May 7, 2026
A will is a vital legal document that outlines how your assets and property should be distributed after your death. The directions in a will can ensure your loved ones receive the inheritance you had in mind for them, your dependents have trustworthy guardians looking after them and your financial matters are looked after by a power of attorney. With the assistance of a skilled Winter Garden will attorney, you can create a plan that your family can turn to when they need answers.
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we are dedicated to helping you secure your future with integrity and commitment. From our Winter Garden office, we are proud to offer our will creation services with transparent fees and some services on a flat-fee basis. Recognized by Orlando Style Magazine and business rate as a top attorney, our lawyer is committed to thorough preparation and hard work to meet your needs effectively. When you choose us to help you with your goals surrounding wills, we will also answer any questions you may have along the way.
What Makes A Will Valid?
For a will to be valid, it must meet specific legal criteria. The testator, or person making the will, needs to be over 18 years old and of sound mind. The testator needs to sign the will in front of two witnesses who will not inherit anything from the will and who will also need to sign the will. Our Winter Garden lawyer can help you create a will that is legally valid, minimizing the chances of anyone contesting the will.
Is A Will The Same As An Estate Plan?
A will is a crucial component of estate planning, but it is not the entire plan. Proper planning includes a wide array of other tools and documents, including trusts, living wills, and other ways to manage assets and healthcare decisions. A will specifies how your assets are distributed when you pass on, but trusts offer more control over how assets and finances transfer to others and can also minimize tax obligations.
Is A Will Enough?
While a will is essential, it may not cover every aspect of your estate. A will alone does not avoid probate, the legal process of validating the will and distributing assets. Every person has different needs. For some, incorporating trusts into an estate plan can offer the answers they need to avoid probate and control asset distribution. Others may benefit from appointing guardians for their children. We can review your unique situation and develop a plan that meets your needs.
What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?
Wills and trusts are both tools for managing your estate, but they serve different purposes. A will outlines the distribution of your assets after death, and a trust allows you to pass on your assets during your life and after. A trust can give you more control over when and how your assets go to beneficiaries, such as by offering portions of their inheritance at certain ages. We are here to help you create the wills and trusts needed to uphold your wishes.
How Much Does It Cost To Create A Will?
The cost of creating a will can vary depending on its complexity and the fees charged by the attorney. At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we are committed to transparency in our pricing, offering flat-fee options for many of our services. By investing in a well-drafted will, you can minimize the chances of loved ones fighting over assets and permanently damaging relationships with family.
What Happens If Someone Dies Without A Will?
If someone dies without a will, their estate is considered intestate, and state laws dictate how assets are distributed. This process can take months or more to resolve, and often, these resolutions do not reflect the deceased’s wishes. When you are drafting a will, we can help ensure that it is legally valid and known to others when needed.
Do You Need An Attorney To Create A Will?
Creating a will is a critical step to protect your family and help ensure your wishes are honored. Many consider using an online template or low‑cost DIY platforms, but these tools may overlook Florida’s complex law and the unique circumstances that shape a person’s estate. A will that seems sufficient at first may fail to meet statutory requirements, omit essential provisions or create confusion that leads to disputes or delays later.
Online will services typically rely on generic forms that cannot account for blended families, second marriages, minor children, unique assets or concerns about future incapacity. They also do not identify potential conflicts between your will and other documents, such as beneficiary designations or trusts. When these issues are missed, your plan may not function per your intentions, and your loved ones may face needless stress or legal hurdles.
Working with an attorney to create your will provides a level of clarity and protection that DIY tools cannot match. A seasoned lawyer can evaluate your goals, explain how Florida law applies to your situation and draft a will that reflects your priorities with precision. This approach results in instructions that are legally enforceable, allowing your assets to be distributed according to your expressed wishes.
A knowledgeable attorney can also help you understand the broader estate planning landscape. For example, many people benefit from incorporating additional documents that work alongside a will, such as powers of attorney or advance health care directives. Estate tools like these help protect you during your lifetime and reduce the likelihood of court involvement if you become unable to manage your affairs.
A lawyer’s guidance is especially valuable when your circumstances change. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or the acquisition of new property often require updates to your will. Having an established relationship with an attorney means you have a trusted resource who can help you revise your plan promptly and correctly.
When the time comes for your will to be implemented, your attorney can assist your personal representative with navigating the probate process. This level of support helps ensure that your wishes are carried out efficiently and that your loved ones receive clear direction during a difficult time.
Secure Your Future By Creating A Will
Taking control of your plans for the future is essential for ensuring that your wishes are honored. At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we are here to help you with drafting a will. Contact our Winter Garden office today by calling us at Call or emailing us here to schedule your initial consultation. We are here to help you create a will that reflects your goals with minimal time and effort on your part.