When was the last time you reviewed your will?
At Lumsden Law, we believe that estate planning is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Even if your existing will was properly executed under Florida law, and even if it still reflects your general intentions, it may still need a review. Laws change. Life changes. And your will should always reflect your current wishes, family dynamics, and assets.
That’s why will reviews are a key part of our estate planning services—and why our approach is guided by legal accuracy, not profit.
A Florida Estate Planning Attorney’s Honest Take
Attorney Eve Lumsden often puts it plainly:
“If your will is perfect—if it’s legally executed under Florida law and everything is exactly the way you want it—I’m not the attorney who will tell you to redo it just so I can make a little money. I’m going to tell you everything looks good. But we’re going to make sure we touch every article within that will to ensure nothing has changed.”
This philosophy drives our firm’s commitment to ethical and practical legal guidance. Our goal isn’t to rewrite what’s already working—it’s to ensure it still works for you today, and that no overlooked article in your document could cause conflict or confusion later.
Why a Will Review Matters Even If Everything “Looks Fine”
Many people assume that once they’ve signed their will, they’re set for life. But in reality, your will should evolve alongside your life. Here’s why regular reviews are a critical part of any estate plan:
1. Florida Laws Change
Florida estate and probate laws may shift from year to year. A will that was valid five years ago may no longer offer the protections or clarity it once did. For example, updates to homestead laws, elective share statutes, or tax thresholds can all impact how your estate is administered.
2. Your Life Has Changed
Has your family grown? Has someone named in your will passed away or become estranged? Have you acquired or sold property? Have you moved to a new county or out of state before returning? Even subtle changes like retirement, divorce, or business restructuring can affect the distribution of your estate.
3. Assets and Beneficiaries Shift Over Time
You may have opened new financial accounts, sold your home, purchased investment properties, or started a trust. If your will doesn’t reflect these changes, your estate may go through unnecessary probate complications or fail to distribute assets as intended.
4. Executor and Guardian Designations May No Longer Apply
Your chosen personal representative (executor) or guardian for minor children may no longer be able—or willing—to serve in that role. Reviewing these designations ensures you still trust and feel confident in those individuals.
5. Unclear or Outdated Language Can Create Legal Ambiguity
Even a well-written will can become legally ambiguous as circumstances evolve. Reviewing each article ensures that nothing is left open to interpretation. Clear, updated language helps avoid disputes, delays, or challenges during probate.
What to Expect During a Will Review at Lumsden Law
A will review with our team is comprehensive and tailored to your current situation. Here’s how the process works:
- Document Examination: We review your existing will for legal compliance under Florida law, ensuring it was validly executed and meets all formal requirements.
- Article-by-Article Review: Each provision is examined to make sure it still matches your wishes and reflects your current situation.
- Discussion of Key Changes:
- Beneficiaries
- Executors/personal representatives
- Guardians for minor children
- Asset lists
- Digital assets and online accounts
- Charitable bequests
- Recommendations: If we determine that your will still serves you well, we’ll tell you so. If we identify opportunities for clarification or updates, we’ll discuss what revisions could offer better protection or peace of mind.
- Optional Coordination with Other Documents: Your will doesn’t stand alone. We may recommend reviewing your durable power of attorney, living will, and healthcare surrogate documents to ensure your full estate plan is aligned.
How Often Should You Review Your Will?
A good rule of thumb is to review your estate plan every 3–5 years, or sooner if any of the following apply:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Death of a loved one or beneficiary
- Major changes in assets (home purchase, inheritance, new investments)
- Retirement or job change
- Relocation within or outside of Florida
- Changes in tax or probate laws
Even if your situation hasn’t changed, a review offers reassurance that your documents remain legally sound and strategically effective.
Peace of Mind Comes from Preparedness
You may never need to change a single word in your will. But knowing that a trusted estate planning attorney has reviewed every detail with you and confirmed that it still meets your goals, can offer profound peace of mind.
At Lumsden Law, we take the time to understand your unique situation, and we never push unnecessary services. Whether your will was drafted last year or a decade ago, we’re here to help you keep it current, compliant, and clear.
Ready for a Florida Will Review?
It’s never too early—or too late—to ensure your will still works for your family. Whether you’re a retiree, new parent, business owner, or recent Florida transplant, our team is here to guide you.
Schedule your will review today at Lumsden Law or call our office to speak directly with our estate planning team. Let’s protect what matters most—together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I review my will in Florida?
It’s recommended to review your will every 3–5 years or sooner if you experience a major life change—such as marriage, divorce, a new child, death of a beneficiary, relocation, or significant asset changes. Changes in Florida estate laws may also prompt a review.
2. What happens during a will review at Lumsden Law?
Our team reviews your existing will article by article to ensure it still reflects your wishes, complies with Florida law, and addresses current assets, beneficiaries, and family circumstances. We also check for clarity and legal effectiveness.
3. Why should I review my will if nothing has changed?
Even if your life hasn’t changed, laws may have. Florida probate and estate planning laws evolve, and outdated language or legal requirements could cause issues later. A review ensures your will is still legally valid and strategically sound.
4. What if my will doesn’t need any changes? Will I still be charged?
No. At Lumsden Law, we don’t recommend unnecessary revisions. If your will is legally valid and still reflects your intentions, we’ll let you know and provide peace of mind—without pushing additional services.
