Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Jacksonville Probate & Estate Planning Legal Services
Founded in 1972 by William K. Lally, our firm has provided compassionate legal representation in estate planning and probate matters for over 49 years. With deep roots in Jacksonville and a relocation to St. Johns County, we maintain a legacy of integrity while adapting to serve Northeast Florida's evolving needs. Our practice emphasizes personalized service, with attorneys who listen carefully to client concerns and deliver tailored legal solutions. Martha Lally continues this tradition, combining decades of experience with a commitment to accessible, client-focused legal care. We offer home visits to accommodate clients during challenging times, ensuring convenience without compromising professional rigor.Our expertise spans wills, trusts, probate administration, and advance directives, addressing both routine and complex estate matters. With multigenerational experience and membership in professional organizations like The Florida Bar, we maintain the highest standards of legal practice. Our approach balances technical proficiency with empathetic guidance through life's most difficult transitions. We prioritize clear communication and transparency, helping clients understand complex legal processes while protecting their interests. This enduring commitment to excellence has established us as trusted advisors in estate planning and probate law.
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 home visits for client convenience during difficult times
- We maintain membership in The Florida Bar and Elder Law Section
- Our practice combines multigenerational experience with modern legal approaches
- We serve Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and ensure proper distribution through customized wills, trusts, and advance directives. We guide clients through complex decisions about property transfer, healthcare directives, and financial planning. Our approach considers each client's unique family dynamics and financial situation to create comprehensive, legally sound plans.
Probate Administration
We assist executors and families through Florida's probate process, handling asset identification, debt settlement, and estate distribution. Our attorneys navigate formal and summary administrations while minimizing family conflict. With decades of experience, we streamline complex legal requirements to ensure efficient resolution during difficult times.
Wills and Trusts
Our will and trust services ensure your wishes are legally documented and protected. We explain different trust options and their benefits while creating documents that withstand legal scrutiny. We help clients understand how various ownership structures affect asset distribution and update documents as life circumstances change.
Powers of Attorney
We draft durable powers of attorney that protect clients' interests during incapacity. Our documents define clear authority boundaries while meeting Florida legal requirements. We educate clients about selecting appropriate agents and understanding the responsibilities involved in these powerful legal instruments.
Living Wills
Our living will services help clients document medical preferences for end-of-life care. We explain the differences between living wills, DNR orders, and healthcare surrogates while ensuring documents meet Florida legal standards. We help families understand these critical healthcare decisions.
People
William K. Lally
Founder
William K. Lally (1928-2014) established the firm in 1972 after a 24-year Navy career. A University of Florida law graduate, he practiced in Jacksonville for decades before relocating to St. Johns County with his wife Martha.
Martha F. Lally
Attorney
Martha Lally joined the firm in 2003 after earning her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. With prior paralegal experience and 26 years working alongside Bill Lally, she continues the firm's legacy focusing on estate planning and probate law.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. Trusts may be recommended based on individual circumstances. We'll help determine your specific needs during consultation.
How does probate work in Florida?
Florida probate involves asset identification, debt settlement, and property distribution under court supervision. The process typically takes 5-6 months for simple estates, with options for formal or summary administration.
Can I create legal documents without an attorney?
While possible, DIY estate planning risks errors that could invalidate documents. Our experience ensures proper execution meeting Florida's strict legal requirements for wills and trusts.
What happens if I die without a will?
Florida's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution, potentially conflicting with your wishes. The court appoints a personal representative who may not know your family's needs or preferences.
Do you offer home visits for document preparation?
Yes, we provide complimentary home visits to discuss your legal needs and complete document preparation at your convenience, especially for clients with mobility challenges.
