Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Re: American Samoa Will

FACTS: Trying to write will for CLIENT in service who is citizen of Am. Samoa; having trouble determining what law applies.

Q. Do they have their own Estate law or follow federal law.

A. You need to refer this person to a JAG lawyer or a lawyer in Am. Samoa who knows their laws. I practice in Fla. and render opioions only about Fla. Law or Fla. related matters. With that said, I would write the will under the law of the jurisdiction where you practice and let Am. Samoa worry about it later. If it is executed in your juris., then most other jurisdictions will honor it if it is valid under your laws. However, be mindful that Descent and Distribution laws do come into play and sometimes have twists to them which is why I recommend referral.