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.