Ensure Your Assets Are Distributed As You Wish With Our Wills Attorney
If you’re like many people, you believe you still have plenty of time to make a will or that making a will is something you do at the end of your life. Or, maybe you think you don’t have enough assets for a will to really matter. These are just a few common misconceptions our Houston, TX, wills lawyer encounters. We speak with clients every day who are unsure whether they even need a will or what to include in one. The truth is, having a will isn’t about how much you own. It’s about protecting the people you care about and ensuring your wishes are honored after you pass away.
Whether you need to create your very first will, revise an existing one after a marriage or divorce, or have concerns about a loved one’s will, the attorneys at Stuart Green Law, PLLC, are here to help. Our legal services go beyond drafting essential estate planning documents like a will. We also help with matters of a will challenge or probate issues. Please contact our firm today to learn about our extensive estate planning services.
Comprehensive Legal Advice For Texas Wills
Many assume that their assets will go to their family automatically upon their passing, but it’s not always that simple. In Texas, when someone dies, their property must go through the probate process before it can legally be transferred to their heirs. This includes everything from your bank accounts and car to your house, personal possessions, and other holdings, like retirement investments. Without a will, you have no control over how those items are divided nor who receives them. Instead, the distribution of your assets proceeds according to Texas Intestacy laws.
Beyond just distributing your property, a will also addresses important personal matters, like naming a guardian for your minor children and making your funeral and burial preferences known. If you have someone specific in mind to care for your children, someone who isn’t automatically next in line (per state laws), you can designate them as your child’s guardian in your will.
If the thought of writing a will is overwhelming or you’re not sure if you’re doing it right, turn to our legal team. We get to know you, your family obligations, and your intentions for your property after you pass away. Then, we use our considerable legal knowledge to draft the right will to accomplish all of your goals.
Trusted Guidance For Every Stage Of The Wills Process
Our Houston wills lawyer provides more complete services than simply drafting the documents. We also assist in matters of a will contest or dispute. Perhaps you have a close family member who suddenly changed their will, and you suspect undue influence. We advise you of your legal options and handle the processes necessary to file a wills contest.
Our firm also provides estate administration services. Every will require an executor, someone to follow its terms and oversee the processing of your estate. If you’re unsure who to name as executor, we can help. Acting as executor comes with weighty legal and financial responsibilities. If you don’t have someone close to you to entrust with this role, one of our attorneys can step in and fulfill that duty with the fiduciary consideration the law requires.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let our Houston wills lawyer help you prepare a will that protects your legacy and gives your loved ones peace of mind. Call Stuart Green Law, PLLC, today to get started.
Types Of Ways A Will Can Help Your Estate Plan
Our Houston, TX wills lawyer knows that including a will in your estate plan is one of the most reliable ways to protect your wishes and your family’s future. Without one, state law determines how your property is divided, which may not reflect what you want. A will gives you control, allowing you to decide how your assets are handled, who manages your estate, and how your loved ones are cared for. Different types of wills serve different purposes, so choosing the right one is an important step in shaping your estate plan. We work with clients domestically and abroad, so we are well-equipped to help with any will and estate plan needs.
Simple Will
As our Houston wills lawyer understands, a simple will provides clear instructions for how your assets should be divided after your passing. It is most effective when your estate is relatively straightforward, with few beneficiaries and no complicated property issues. This type of will allows you to name an executor, designate heirs, and outline basic wishes. For many families, it is the foundation of a secure estate plan.
Testamentary Trust Will
A testamentary trust will goes beyond basic asset division by creating a trust upon your death. This option is especially valuable when you want to leave property or money to children or beneficiaries who may need financial management over time. By placing assets into a trust, you can specify how and when funds are distributed, offering long-term protection and structure for your loved ones.
Joint Will
A joint will is often used by married couples who want to create a shared plan for their estate. It sets out what will happen to assets while both partners are alive and after one of them passes. While it provides certainty, a joint will is typically binding and difficult to change once one spouse dies. Couples who prefer to keep their plans connected often choose this type, but it requires careful consideration since it limits future flexibility.
Living Will
A living will addresses medical care rather than property. It allows you to state your preferences for treatment if you become unable to communicate. This document can guide doctors and family members when making healthcare decisions, reducing stress during difficult times. While it is different from a traditional will, it still plays an important role in a complete estate plan.
Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will works hand-in-hand with a trust. It acts as a safety net, directing any property not already placed in your trust during your lifetime to be transferred into it upon your death. This ensures that your trust covers all of your assets, even those you may have overlooked, and helps keep your estate plan consistent and organized.
Holographic Will
A holographic will is handwritten and signed by you without the presence of witnesses. Although recognized in some states, these wills can create problems in probate because they are easier to challenge. While it may seem like a simple option, it often lacks the legal strength of a formally drafted will, which can cause complications for your heirs.
Oral Will
Also called a nuncupative will, this type is spoken rather than written. Only a few states recognize oral wills, and they are usually limited to emergency or military situations. Because of their restricted acceptance and potential for disputes, oral wills are rarely recommended as a long-term planning tool.
Each type of will offers a different way to address your estate planning needs, from basic asset distribution to long-term financial management and medical preferences. Selecting the right one allows you to create a plan that truly reflects your priorities. At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, we help you review your options and decide which type of will best supports your goals. We have 5 stars on Google Reviews, so see what others are saying about how we have helped with their estate plans. Contact our Houston wills lawyer today to take the first step in building an estate plan that gives you peace of mind and clarity for the future.
Steps In The Wills Process For Estate Planning
Our Houston, TX wills lawyer knows that creating a will is one of the most effective ways to protect your wishes and provide clear direction for your family. When you all take the time to put a will in place, you reduce confusion, make your intentions known, and give your loved ones a practical roadmap for the future. The wills process may feel unfamiliar, but breaking it into clear steps helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare. Stuart Green, the founding attorney at our firm, established this boutique law firm to help serve clients around the United States.
- Start By Identifying Your Goals. The first step in the wills process is deciding what you want your plan to accomplish. You can think about who should receive your property, who should handle key responsibilities, and what matters most to you. This early stage involves discussing priorities, reviewing your financial picture, and outlining the commitments you want to honor. By clarifying your goals, you set a strong foundation for the rest of the process.
- List Your Assets And Debts. A complete will depends on knowing what property you have and how you want it managed. You all can begin by listing your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, personal belongings, and anything else of value. You should also note any outstanding debts or obligations. Having this information organized makes the drafting process smoother and helps avoid confusion later.
- Choose Beneficiaries And Key Decision-Makers. Once your assets are listed, the next step is deciding who will receive them. You can select individuals, charities, or a mix of both. You will also choose an executor, the person responsible for carrying out your wishes. For families with children, this may include naming guardians who can take on caregiving responsibilities. Choosing people you trust is important, and discussing these decisions together helps create a plan that reflects your shared values.
- Work With An Attorney To Draft Your Will. As our Houston wills lawyer knows, with your goals and information gathered, you can work with an attorney to create the legal document. This step involves reviewing your wishes, discussing state requirements, and making sure the will reflects everything you want it to include. The drafting stage also helps address situations you may not have considered, such as backup beneficiaries or alternative decision-makers. Clear drafting supports a will that functions the way you intend.
- Review The Draft Carefully. Before signing your will, it is important to review the draft closely. You all can check each section to confirm that names are correct, asset distributions are accurate, and instructions match your goals. Asking questions and confirming details helps reduce misunderstandings later. Taking the time to review everything now can save your family from confusion during an already difficult time.
- Sign The Will According To State Requirements. Each state requires specific steps for a will to be valid. You may need witnesses, special signatures, or particular signing procedures. Following these steps correctly is essential. When you sign the will as required by your state, you create a legally recognized document that your family can rely on when the time comes.
- Store Your Will Safely And Keep It Accessible. Once the will is signed, store it in a secure place where it will not be lost or damaged. You may also share its location with trusted individuals so they can access it when needed. Keeping your will organized and easy to find supports a smoother process for your family later.
- Update Your Will As Life Changes. Life events such as marriages, births, moves, and financial changes may require updates to your will. You all can review your plan every few years or after major life changes to confirm that it still reflects your wishes. Keeping the document current helps maintain a clear direction for your loved ones.
When your family is ready to take meaningful steps in the estate planning process, having steady support can make all the difference. If you want guidance rooted in reliable experience, Stuart Green Law, PLLC is prepared to help you build a plan that fits your goals. We help clients domestically and abroad, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Contact our Houston wills lawyer today so you can move forward with confidence.