Creating a will gives you control over where your money will go when you are no longer here, regardless of how many assets you have. A will acts as a tool that provides clarity and peace of mind for both you and your family, allowing you to take care of your loved ones even after death.
Our seasoned estate planning attorneys have nearly 20 years of experience and are dedicated to providing attentive and personalized service. Woodlawn Hills wills lawyer Sasha Begum could help you draft a clear and concise plan for the future.
A will is a legal document that offers instructions for how you want to distribute your assets after your death. It can specify who should take possession of your personal property, bank accounts, and real estate, name guardians for minor children, and provide instructions for charity giving and even funeral or burial preferences.
An experienced attorney in Woodlawn Hills could help you include the key components of a will, such as:
There are many benefits to having a will. It ensures that your wishes are heard and carried out when you are not present to communicate them. With clear instructions and designations, you can be sure assets are distributed efficiently and without uncertainty.
In the state of Texas, wills are governed by the Texas Estates Code. It offers guidelines on the creation, execution, and enforcement of wills.
To be considered valid, a will must meet a few requirements listed in Texas Estates Code § 251.051, including:
Texas is a community property state, which means that any property acquired during the marriage is generally considered owned by both parties. The testator (the person creating the will) can only distribute half of the community property through their will.
Our Woodlawn Hills lawyers are well-versed in these laws that affect wills, and we can make sure all guidelines are followed so your will is properly drafted and valid.
If you die without having a will—known as dying intestate—unnecessary stress and potential disputes can ensue. Perhaps there are people in your life who think they are entitled to a share of your money. Even if you did not want them to inherit any of it, without a will excluding them from inheritance, there is no legal documentation preventing it.
Under the state’s intestacy law, Estates Code § 201, the estate will go to the courts, where all assets may be distributed based on a statutory formula. The court will hand out your money or sell your assets how they see fit, which may not be aligned with what you would have wanted. Hiring a skilled legal professional from Woodlawn Hills could ensure your will provides clear instructions on how your assets should be distributed so that it reflects your true wishes.
It is in your best interest to have a will in place so the distribution of your assets is completed without dispute, and you maintain control. Protect yourself and the wealth you have worked so hard for by reaching out to a Woodlawn Hills wills lawyer today.
Our team of legal professionals at Begum Peláez-Prada, PLLC, is committed to helping you make a will as simple and stress-free as possible. We take the time to listen to what you want to do with your assets, whether you have a simple estate or a complex one with businesses and a variety of properties. No two wills are the same, and we are here to help. Give our firm a call today.
