Texas Last Will and Testament

Real Estate Law For Current or Prospective Property Owners

Texas Last Will and Testament

Real Estate Law For Current or Prospective Property Owners

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Residential Real Estate Law.
American Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
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Creating a Will in Texas

A Last Will and Testament is a document that states what will happen legally to your assets after you pass away. Creating a Will assures that you decide what happens to your Texas property upon your death.

This binding document can include all material possessions including real estate, cars, cash, financial accounts and pets. It can basically include almost anything. You may also be able to designate a guardian for your minor children.

Not having a Will can have serious consequences.  If you pass away without a Will, your assets may not be distributed as you intended or according to your wishes. Instead, your property will be distributed to your heirs-at-law.

What happens if you do not have a will?

Simply put, if you do not have a Will, the state will decide how to distribute your assets.  As a result, your last wishes would basically be irrelevant.

Having a Will ensures that your assets go to the beneficiaries that you choose, not to the heirs that the state chooses for you.

WHO WILL ENFORCE THE WILL?

Your Will will name an Executor to carry out the terms of the Will.

In addition to naming an Executor you also identify who receives your property.

Note: Keep in mind, if you choose to, you may leave property to people who are not heirs and not related to you.

  • After you die and your death certificate is issued, your Executor is obligated to file the your Will with the local probate court.
  • The probate court will verify your death, verify your Will, and appoint your Executor to carry out the terms of the Will.
  • The Executor is obligated to gather up your property, pay bills, and distribute the remaining property as stated in your Will.

Texas Will and Testament

After you sign your Texas Will and Testament, you should keep it in a place for safekeeping.  Inform the person you named as Executor where it is located.  Ideally, you should keep it with all insurance policies and other important documents.

Your Will may list your immediate family, such as your spouse and children.  If you are not married and have no children, you may identify your parents, siblings or friends.

Furthermore, if you chose to do so, you can leave your property to organizations such as charities, museums, schools, churches, etc.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A WILL

A Will is a document signed by you that states how and to whom your assets should be distributed after you pass away.

Since a Last Will and Testament is a legally binding document, you should avoid do-it-yourself and fill in the blank templates.

The cost of having an attorney prepare your Will is quite reasonable.  Any potential errors from do-it-yourself Wills could have significant consequences. 

  • You should sign a professionally prepared Will in the presence of two witnesses and a notary.
  • Having a Will avoids confusion and uncertainty of your wishes.
  • Legal requirements are included for the protection of your heirs.

The Steinbach Law Firm can prepare your new Will

Our fee for preparing a Will is $950.

In addition to your Will, we include the following documents for no additional fee:

  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Physician’s Directive
  • HIPPA release
Board Certified Residential Real Estate Law

Experienced Texas Attorney

Do you have questions about Texas Wills?  Email your questions directly to attorney Scott Steinbach at scott@steinbachlaw.com. Or speak with him at 972-960-1850. There is no fee for your call

Our fee to prepare a Will is $950.

Scott Steinbach is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.  Peer rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence.