The way you wrote your post your will should be inexpensive. I am not a FL resident (or attorney) and not familure with the rules. You want to determin if one of your beneficiaries could probate the will without an attorney's help (and fees). It is not difficult but it may not be possible if the beneficiary ( or anyone you pick) is not a Fl resident. The big money could be having to pay 6% of your estate value to an attorney. Usualy the attorney that drafted the will. Make sure you will does not name the attorney as the person to handel the will at your death. Let the administer pick their own attorney.
A trust could avoid some of these fees but be careful as the "trust sellers" are expensive and you have to make sure you really need the trust.
If you own real estate in two states this could be a problem. You will probably be advised to put the non FL propery in a trust to avoid the out of state probate costs. This is not expense so watch the fees. The house title would be transferred to the trust. Want to make sure you do not incurre any state transfer fees etc. Income Tax wise you will file your taxes as if the trust did not exist if it was done correctly.
I would go to the local seminars the attornies put on to start the learning process. Just don't buy until you shop arround.
Also consider a letter to tell your heirs where you would like to be burried etc. Arranging the details ahead of time is not a bad idea if you are sure of the details.
|