Last Will and Testament

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 A Last Will and Testament is the foundation of most estate plans. It allows you to decide who will receive your property, who will administer your estate, and—if you have minor children—who you would want to serve as their guardian. Rather than leaving those important decisions to Texas law, your will allows you to make them yourself.

A properly drafted Texas will can also create trusts for beneficiaries, protect loved ones, and provide clear instructions that simplify the probate process. Your will becomes effective only after your death and must generally be admitted to probate before your executor can carry out your wishes.

Many people assume estate planning is only for retirees or wealthy families. In reality, every adult can benefit from having a will. Whether you own a home, have children, or simply want your belongings distributed according to your wishes, a will provides clarity and peace of mind.

Without one, Texas law—not you—determines who inherits your property and who has authority to administer your estate. A will allows you to remain in control of those decisions.

 If you die without a valid will, you are considered to have died "intestate." Texas law contains a detailed set of rules that determines who inherits your property, regardless of what you may have intended.

For many families, those default rules produce unexpected results. Certain family members may inherit property you never intended them to receive, and loved ones may have to complete a more complicated court proceeding before assets can be distributed.

A Texas will can accomplish much more than simply distributing property. It can:

• Appoint an Independent Executor

• Name guardians for minor children

• Create trusts for children or beneficiaries

• Leave specific gifts to family, friends, or charities

• Distribute the remainder of your estate

• Include tax and administrative provisions that simplify estate administration

A carefully prepared will is designed to work together with the rest of your estate plan.

 Not every asset passes through your will. Property with beneficiary designations—such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and many investment accounts—generally passes directly to the named beneficiary.

Likewise, jointly owned property, Transfer on Death Deeds, and assets held in a properly funded Revocable Living Trust may transfer outside of probate. Understanding which assets pass by will and which do not is an important part of building an effective estate plan.

 If you die without a valid will, you are considered to have died "intestate." Texas law contains a detailed set of rules that determines who inherits your property, regardless of what you may have intended.

For many families, those default rules produce unexpected results. Certain family members may inherit property you never intended them to receive, and loved ones may have to complete a more complicated court proceeding before assets can be distributed.

 Your estate plan should be reviewed whenever significant life events occur. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, acquiring substantial assets, moving to Texas, or the death of a named executor or beneficiary are all good reasons to revisit your documents.

Even if nothing significant has changed, reviewing your estate plan every three to five years helps ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and complies with current Texas law.

Some of the most common questions we receive include:

• Do I need a lawyer to prepare my will?

• Can I change my will later?

• Where should I keep my original will?

• Can handwritten wills be valid in Texas?

• How much does a will cost?

We'll answer these and many other questions during your complimentary consultation.