If you are searching for a team to help you with your estate plan, then look no further than Stuart Green Law, PLLC. Our founding and managing attorney Stuart Green, J.D. knows that there is more to the job than just providing legal services regarding estate planning. He is profoundly dedicated to his work, and combines genuine respect with commitment to utilizing sophisticated strategies so clients can keep more wealth for themselves. Our The Woodlands, TX wills lawyer is prepared to get to work for you so that you can achieve peace of mind that your assets and estate are protected. Contact us now for further assistance!
Facts About Wills
Through a will, you get to choose who gets your property after your passing, instead of having the law and court system decide for you. Within the will, you can appoint an executor (personal representative) to manage the estate, whether it is a bank, trust company, or individual. A trust may be created in the will where the estate, or a portion of it, will remain intact with income accumulated or distributed for the benefit of family members or others. Minors can be taken care of without the expense of guardianship of property proceedings.
A will allows your real estate and other assets to be sold while avoiding the court. You are able to make charitable gifts that are effective upon your death. As our wills attorney explains, a will contains written instructions that control how your property is transferred after your passing. Each state has its own formal requirements for a legal will. As our The Woodlands wills lawyer explains, in the state of Florida:
- You must be of sound mind at the moment you sign your will
- As the creator of the will (testator), you must be at least 18 years of age
- Your will must be written
- Your will has to be notarized and witnessed in a specific manner by law
- It is required of you to follow Florida law formalities for will execution
- To be effective, a will must be shown as valid and allowed by probate court
What Happens Without A Will
If you pass away and do not have a will, which is otherwise referred to as dying intestate, your property gets distributed to heirs based on fixed law. Property does not get transferred to the state of Florida unless there are no heirs present, which is unlikely. Our wills attorney knows that if you do not establish a will, the inheritance statutes determine who inherits your property. Oftentimes, this is motivation enough for people to create a will and comprehensive estate plan, so the state court system does not have a say in who and what assets get distributed. For support with writing your will, contact our wills attorney at your next convenience!
Stuart Green Law, PLLC
Creating a will allows you to have peace of mind that your assets will be given to those you care about the most, whether that be family members, close friends, or charity organizations. Not leaving a will behind risks having your property be given to those you would not have wanted to receive them. Please let our team at Stuart Green Law, PLLC guide you through the steps of writing a will that is legally-binding and thorough. Our The Woodlands wills lawyer is ready to help!
How To Use Your Will To Protect Your Children
As our The Woodlands, TX wills lawyer understands, when we have young children, one of the most important steps we can take to protect them is creating a will. A will allows us to make clear decisions about who will care for our children and how our assets should be used to support them. Without a will, those decisions may be made by the court, and the outcome might not match our intentions. Financial planning and planning ahead helps us provide security, stability, and peace of mind for our family. We serve clients both domestically and abroad, so reach out today.
Naming A Guardian
In a will, we can name a guardian for our minor children. This person would step in to care for them if something happens to both parents. Choosing a guardian is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important that we take the time to think about who shares our values, parenting style, and ability to provide a safe and supportive home. If we don’t name a guardian in our will, the court will appoint one, and that person might not be who we would have wanted.
Providing Financial Support
Our The Woodlands wills lawyer can tell you that creating a will also allows us to decide how our assets should be used to support our children. We can set up a trust within the will that outlines how money should be managed for their benefit. This includes covering expenses like housing, education, medical care, and other essentials as they grow up. Naming a responsible trustee to manage the assets on their behalf is just as important as selecting a guardian. The trustee will make financial decisions based on the instructions we leave behind.
Preventing Future Disputes
When our wishes are clearly written out in a will, we reduce the chance of confusion or disagreement among family members. A will helps make our intentions known and provides a legal plan that others are expected to follow. This is especially important in blended families or when extended family members have strong opinions about how the children should be raised. With a valid will in place, we help prevent unnecessary stress or disputes during a difficult time.
Updating The Will As Life Changes
It’s a good idea to review and update our will over time. Life changes like a new child, a move to another state, or changes in relationships can all affect how we want our plan to work. Keeping the will up to date means that it always reflects our current wishes. Even small updates, like changing a guardian or trustee, can make a big difference in how well the plan works when it’s needed.
Peace Of Mind For The Future
Estate planning and creating a will is one of the most thoughtful and practical things we can do for our children. It’s about more than just assets—it’s about making sure they are cared for by someone we trust, and that they have the resources they need to grow up well. At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, we work with families to create clear, legally sound wills that protect what matters most. Because we are a boutique law firm, we offer tailored advice specific to your needs. Contact our The Woodlands wills lawyers today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your children’s future.
Steps In The Formation Of A Will
Creating a will is an important part of planning for the future. It ensures that your wishes are clearly outlined and legally recognized, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Our The Woodlands, TX wills lawyer knows that while it might seem straightforward, the process involves several critical steps to ensure it is valid and enforceable. Because we are a boutique law firm, we can provide you with the tailored legal experience you need. Below, we’ve broken down the main stages in the formation of a will, along with how working with a lawyer can make the process smoother.
- Determine Your Goals and Wishes. The first step is deciding what you want your will to accomplish. This includes identifying beneficiaries, choosing how your assets will be distributed, and considering any charitable donations. Thinking through these details early helps guide the rest of the process.
- Take Inventory of Your Assets. You’ll need a clear understanding of what you own—real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and digital assets. This inventory will serve as the foundation for the decisions you make in your will.
- Choose an Executor. An executor is the person you trust to carry out the terms of your will. This role involves managing your estate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets. Selecting someone responsible and trustworthy is essential.
- Decide on Guardianship Provisions. If you have minor children or dependents, your will should name a guardian who will care for them. Our The Woodlands wills lawyer understands that this decision can be one of the most important aspects of the will formation process.
- Draft the Will. This is where the details of your wishes are put into a formal legal document. While there are templates available online, a professionally drafted will reduces the risk of disputes or legal challenges.
- Review and Update Regularly. Life changes—such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant financial changes—can impact your will. Reviewing and updating it ensures it stays accurate and reflects your current wishes.
- Sign and Witness the Will. For a will to be valid, it must be signed according to state law, usually in the presence of witnesses. The requirements vary by state, so it’s important to follow the correct process to ensure enforceability.
At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, we understand that forming a will is a deeply personal process. We guide our clients through every step, ensuring their wishes are documented clearly and legally. If you’re ready to take the important step of creating or updating your will, we encourage you to contact us today. We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity, care, and confidence, offering the personalized guidance you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide you and your loved ones with lasting peace of mind, knowing your estate plan will stand strong when it matters most. With many 5-star reviews, you can trust that we have your best interests in mind. Contact our The Woodlands wills lawyer when you are ready to move forward.