Preparing for the Future with Wills

Crafting a will is a vital step in ensuring your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones are provided for after you’re gone. That’s because a will allows you to name an executor who will carry out your wishes and handle the distribution of your assets after your passing, streamlining the probate process for your beneficiaries. If you’re interested in these benefits of having a will, you should reach out to skilled estate planning attorneys for help drafting the documents you need in your estate plan.

At West & West, Greer & Estorga, we understand the importance of a last will in safeguarding your legacy. Whether you’re looking to create a simple will or need assistance with complex estate planning, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process. We’ll help you articulate your wishes clearly, address potential tax implications, and ensure your will complies with all legal requirements, giving you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your intentions. Call our San Antonio law firm today to learn more.

What’s the Purpose of a Last Will and Testament?

Wills are widely considered among the most critical elements of any estate plan, as they give you the chance to make it clear who should inherit your assets when you pass away. If you don’t have a will before your death, there’s no guarantee that the assets in your estate will be passed down to your loved ones, since state laws will dictate who inherits your hard-earned assets. This could lead to emotional disputes among family members who may feel confused or hurt when the distribution of assets doesn’t go as expected.

While having control of how your assets are distributed is a popular benefit of a last will, an even more important benefit is the ability to choose who will raise your minor children when both parents are deceased. If you don’t name a guardian to raise your children, the court will appoint one in accordance with state laws, and it could be a relative you and your children hardly know or trust. So, if you have minor children to protect, you should write a will that designates a trusted guardian.

Another reason to write a will is so you can appoint an executor to administer your estate during the probate process. This should be a close friend or family member you can trust to carry out the terms of your will. Keep in mind that the executor will be responsible for initiating probate, identifying the assets in your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to your wishes. If you don’t designate an executor, the court will appoint an administrator to complete these tasks, and it may be someone you would not trust with this role.

Other benefits of wills include the ability to state your funeral and burial preferences, leave money to the charities you support, and generally avoid confusion and extra legal fees for your family to deal with. If you’re ready to start drafting wills and other important documents with the help of a dedicated attorney, call our firm today.

How Can You Write a Legally Valid Will in Texas?

Your will must meet state-specific legal requirements to be legally binding, and a skilled attorney can assist with this. First, you must be at least 18 years old, unless you’re married or in the military.

You must also be of sound mind. This means you’re mentally capable of making sound decisions and are not suffering from dementia or impaired by drugs or alcohol. In addition, you must make it clear that you understand what making a will means and that you’re writing the document without any pressure or influence from others.

Wills in this state must be in physical form, not digital. You can choose to type it on a computer and print it or handwrite it. If you choose the more common option of typing your will, you’ll need to sign it in front of two credible witnesses who are 14 or older, and they must also sign the document. If you choose to handwrite your will, you must sign it, though you won’t need witnesses for this format.

Knowledgeable attorneys understand the complexities of the estate planning process, including what it takes to draft a legally valid last will and testament. So, if you want to help your family members save money on legal costs and reduce the need for litigation after your death, you should hire lawyers who are well-acquainted with estate law in Texas. Call our firm for the estate planning services you need.

What Other Estate Planning Documents Should You Consider?

A last will and testament is a crucial part of any estate plan, but it’s not the only document you need to protect your family and estate in the long term. Experienced attorneys often recommend several other estate planning documents that can supplement a last will, such as:

  • An advance healthcare directive, which outlines your medical wishes if you’re incapacitated and unable to communicate them
  • Healthcare power of attorney, which appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated
  • A revocable living trust, which lets you control which family members inherit your assets without requiring them to go through probate
  • Beneficiary designation, which can directly transfer life insurance policies, IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar accounts to the named beneficiaries upon your death
  • Durable power of attorney, which appoints someone to manage your legal and financial affairs if you’re incapacitated

If you want to know more about the estate planning tools available to you, reach out to our firm to speak with skilled estate planning attorneys. We’d be happy to review your current circumstances and long-term goals before suggesting estate planning documents that suit your specific needs.

How Can a Texas Wills Attorney Help with Your Estate Plan?

If you’re considering creating an estate plan to protect your family’s future, you should seek legal counsel from a trusted firm that has provided countless clients with estate planning advice. When you hire West & West, Greer & Estorga, you’ll get quality legal services from attorneys who will help you understand common estate planning topics, from creating a valid will to placing assets in a trust to avoid probate.

Whether you need to create a comprehensive estate plan or update an existing plan, our team is here to help you with every step. Call 210-598-6482 today to schedule a consultation with a caring attorney who is ready to develop the estate plan you need to protect your loved ones long term.