Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Services in Jacksonville
The Lally, Martha has provided compassionate and competent legal representation to families in Northeast Florida since 1972. Founded by William K. Lally, a U.S. Navy veteran and attorney, our firm has evolved while maintaining a steadfast commitment to estate planning and probate law. With over 49 years of combined experience, we specialize in crafting personalized legal solutions that protect clients' assets and loved ones during life's most challenging moments. Our services include wills, trusts, probate administration, and advance directives, all delivered with integrity and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved.We prioritize client comfort by offering home visits and maintaining transparent communication throughout every case. Martha F. Lally, admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003, continues this legacy with a renewed focus on estate planning while upholding the firm's founding principles of trust and exceptional service.
Services
Estate Planning
Wills and Trusts
Probate Administration
Powers of Attorney
Living Wills
Health Care Surrogates
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer over 49 years of combined experience in estate planning and probate law
- Our attorneys provide personalized home visits for client convenience
- We maintain active memberships in The Florida Bar and American Bar Association
- Our practice combines military discipline with compassionate client care
- We specialize in complex estate planning tailored to individual family needs
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. We help clients establish wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to their unique family and financial situations. With over four decades of experience, we provide guidance on probate avoidance and asset distribution that aligns with Florida law while minimizing future legal complications for your loved ones.
Probate Administration
We guide families through Florida's probate process with compassionate expertise. Our services include asset identification, debt settlement, and distribution of estates according to wills or state law. We help navigate formal and summary administrations while addressing common concerns about property transfer and creditor claims. Our experience with complex probate matters ensures efficient resolution during difficult times.
Wills and Trusts
We draft customized wills and trusts that clearly define asset distribution and guardianship arrangements. Our attorneys explain the differences between testamentary and living trusts while ensuring documents comply with Florida legal requirements. We help clients understand how joint ownership and beneficiary designations affect estate plans, and we provide updates to reflect life changes like marriages or births.
Powers of Attorney
We create durable powers of attorney that designate trusted agents for financial and healthcare decisions. Our guidance covers limited and general POAs while explaining fiduciary responsibilities and revocation processes. We emphasize proper documentation to avoid guardianship proceedings and ensure clients understand the importance of selecting trustworthy representatives for incapacity planning.
Health Care Surrogates
Our advance healthcare directives establish clear medical decision-making authority through health care surrogates. We help clients designate trusted individuals to make treatment decisions during incapacitation while documenting personal medical preferences. We explain the differences between living wills and DNR orders, ensuring all documents comply with Florida statutes for enforceability during critical health situations.
People
Martha F. Lally
Attorney
Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003, Martha Lally specializes in estate planning and probate law. She has practiced in Northeast Florida since 1990, focusing on wills, trusts, and advance directives. A member of The Florida Bar's Elder Law Section and American Bar Association, she continues the firm's legacy of compassionate legal representation.
William K. Lally
Founder
A U.S. Navy veteran and University of Florida law graduate, Bill Lally founded the firm in 1972. He practiced law in Jacksonville for 42 years before his passing in 2014. His military background and legal expertise established the firm's foundation in estate planning and probate law.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for Florida residents?
Every Florida resident should consider having a will, durable power of attorney, living will, and health care surrogate designation. These documents ensure your wishes are honored regarding asset distribution and medical decisions.
How does probate work in Florida?
Florida probate involves court-supervised asset distribution according to wills or state law. The process typically takes 5-6 months for simple estates, with options for formal or summary administration based on estate complexity.
Can I create a valid will without an attorney?
While Florida allows DIY wills, improper execution can invalidate them. Our attorneys ensure your will meets legal requirements, including proper witnessing and notarization, to prevent future complications.
What happens if I die without a will in Florida?
Your assets will distribute according to state law formulas rather than your personal wishes. The court appoints a personal representative who may not know your family dynamics or preferences.
How do living wills differ from traditional wills?
Living wills address medical treatment preferences during terminal conditions, while traditional wills dictate property distribution after death. Both serve distinct but complementary roles in comprehensive estate planning.
