No, I’m not launching an official series of probate tips—but this one is worth calling out all on its own.
One of the biggest and most common mistakes in Florida probate cases is failing to read the Will carefully. Whether you’re the personal representative (executor) or even an experienced probate attorney, skimming through the Will—or worse, not reading it at all—can lead to unnecessary stress, legal complications, and costly delays.
How Four Words Created Chaos
I recently handled a probate case for a client who had already worked with a different probate attorney. Things had gone poorly, and when she called our office for a second opinion, she was understandably frustrated.
Now, it’s not unusual for clients to be unhappy with a previous attorney when they come to us. But in this case, when I reviewed the Will myself, I found the real issue: a four-word phrase buried deep in an unassuming clause that had completely changed the direction of the estate administration.
This tiny detail—missed by both the client and the prior attorney—led to significant legal confusion and procedural delays. Fortunately, we were able to untangle the situation and move the case forward, but it was a reminder of how even small oversights can cause major problems.
Why We Always Read the Will First
At our firm, we have a simple policy:
We don’t take on any probate case until we’ve read the decedent’s Last Will and Testament in full.
It’s not just about due diligence—it’s about protecting everyone involved.
When you call our office for a consultation, be ready to discuss the Will in detail (if one exists). If you don’t have it on hand during the initial call, you’ll be asked to send it to us via email before we proceed with your case.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an attorney, a personal representative, or a beneficiary, remember this:
📌 Surprises in a Will can be expensive, time-consuming, and completely avoidable—if the Will is read carefully from the start.
So, if you’re getting ready to handle a probate case in Florida, take this simple but essential tip seriously: read the Will thoroughly—and make sure your attorney does too.
Need help reviewing a Will or handling a Florida probate case?
Call our office to schedule a consultation and get trusted legal guidance from the very start.
