Florida Probate Litigation: What is an Electronic Will?

Will electronic wills replace traditional wills in Florida? What is different about an electronic will from a written one? Governor Rick Scott, our Florida Governor, has just vetoed the Florida Electronic Wills Act. This means that there are no electronic wills in Florida right now. The veto by Governor Scott of the Florida Electronic Wills Act calls into question whether people understand what an electronic will is, and it provides a good opportunity for you to consider whether your estate plan is ready and up to date. Have you consulted with a Florida estate planning lawyer? Is your Florida will properly executed? Why did Governor Scott veto this bill?

Governor Scott has concerns about witnessing an electronic will and the documentation regarding an electronic will. Furthermore, he is not convinced that there are enough safeguards in place to insure that people are protected from probate fraud. Trust lawyers in West Palm Beach frequently handle lawsuits involving probate fraud. For example, a greedy son could unduly influence his elderly dad to change his estate plan. Another example of probate fraud would be caregivers coercing the people in their care, who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, to leave their entire estates to them. If you believe your elderly relative is a victim of probate fraud, you may need a West Palm Beach guardianship or probate lawyer. For a FREE consultation with Pankauski Hauser’s managing partner, John Pankauski, call (561)514-0900 Ext. 101.