Wills and Codicils Lawyer in Zephyrhills FL — Create a Legally Sound Will That Reflects Your Wishes
Need a will or codicil in Zephyrhills? Brewer Law Firm, P.A. helps individuals draft, update, and validate Florida wills. Schedule a free estate planning consultation today.
📝 What Is a Will, and What Is a Codicil?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your property, assets, and responsibilities should be distributed or handled after your death. In Florida, it’s your primary tool for ensuring your wishes are honored — from who inherits your estate to who becomes guardian of your children.
A codicil is a legal amendment used to make changes to an existing will without creating a new one. It must meet the same formal legal standards as a will to be valid.
These documents are essential for:
Avoiding family disputes
Ensuring clarity and legality
Protecting your estate and beneficiaries
Key Takeaways
A will lets you control your legacy, appoint guardians, and avoid intestacy laws.
A codicil is a legal update to your will — best used for small changes.
Brewer Law Firm drafts and updates wills that are valid, enforceable, and customized to your needs.
Without a will, Florida courts decide who receives your property — and it may not be who you intended.
📋 Steps to Creating or Updating a Will
Inventory Your Assets: Include real estate, bank accounts, heirlooms, and digital access.
Choose Key People: Name your executor, guardians, and backup choices.
Meet With Brewer Law Firm: We draft documents based on your unique needs and family structure.
Execute Your Will Legally: Sign in front of witnesses and create a notarized self-proving affidavit.
Store Safely and Share Access: Let your trusted person know where to find it.
🧾 What Can You Include in a Florida Will?
Your will can do much more than just distribute money. It can direct nearly all aspects of your estate:
Distribute Property and Assets
Name a Personal Representative (Executor)
Appoint Guardians for Minor Children
Create Pet Care Instructions or Funds
Assign Digital Assets and Accounts
Specify Funeral or Burial Preferences
Brewer Law Firm ensures all inclusions are clear, legally enforceable, and aligned with your estate goals.
Florida’s Legal Requirements for a Valid Will
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 732, a valid will must:
Be made by a person 18 or older, or an emancipated minor
Be made by someone of sound mind
Be in writing
Be signed by the testator (or by someone at their direction)
Be witnessed by two people, both present at the same time
Optionally be self-proved with a notarized affidavit
A will that fails to meet these standards may be challenged or thrown out in probate.
📍Serving Zephyrhills & Central Florida Communities
We assist clients in:
Zephyrhills (including Fort King, Chancey Rd, Wire Rd)
Lakeland
Plant City
When and Why to Use a Codicil Instead of a New Will
A codicil is a great tool for making minor edits, such as:
Changing a beneficiary
Updating an executor
Modifying small bequests
However, codicils must meet the same signing and witness rules as a full will. If you’re making multiple changes or altering key sections, a full rewrite is often cleaner and less confusing for the probate court.
Why Hire Brewer Law Firm for Wills and Codicils
Personalized Approach: No boilerplate documents — we tailor each will to your life and assets.
Local Zephyrhills Insight: We understand the needs of families in East Pasco County.
Codicil Expertise: We guide clients on when updates make sense versus rewriting.
Holistic Planning: We integrate wills with trusts, POAs, and advance directives.
📞 Schedule a Free Estate Planning Consultation
Ready to write your will or update an old one? Brewer Law Firm offers confidential, no-obligation consultations to help you make informed decisions about your future.