Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Will created in one state but living in another

My dad lives in Fla, his wife just died. They had a will created 7 yrs ago when they lived in NY. They have no other will. Is that will still valid ? He is listed as sole beneficiary when she died. What does he need to do to get money that was soley in her name


Asked on 8/31/07, 2:36 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Will created in one state but living in another

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

If the will was valid in the state it was written in at the time it was written, it will probably be admitted to probate here in Florida. Your dad will need to gather together a list of all of his wife's assets and see how they are titled. If she has kids from a former marriage, she may have left accounts in trust for them and thus they are not subject to probate. If they are left to dad, he can simply go to the bank or other financial institution with a certified death certificate and claim the account(s). If not, a probate of her estate will be necessary.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 8/31/07, 11:31 pm

Re: Will created in one state but living in another

First, if the Will was valid in NY when your father was a resident of NY, then the Florida courts should accept now. He should first check with the bank holding the funds that were in his wife's name to be sure he is not listed as a beneficiary of that account. If he is not listed as the beneficiary, then he will need to contact a probate attorney. For the answers to general questions about probate in Florida you can look at my web site, www.flprobate.com.

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Answered on 8/31/07, 3:47 pm
Robert Roemer Robert Roemer

Re: Will created in one state but living in another

If the will is valid in florida-the n.y will can be probated in the county she lived in at date of death.If there is life ins. ,pensions,personal property,etc. it would need to be probated in that county.I would suggest you e-mail me a phone # to reach you to discuss further.

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Answered on 8/31/07, 5:33 pm


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