Wills Estate Planning Lawyer in Missouri City, Texas
According to a 2021 Wills and Estate Planning Study from Caring.com, only about 1 out of 3 American adults (32.9%) have a valid will or estate plan. Having a will is one of the most essential steps you can take when planning for your future. Whether you have a small or large estate, creating a last will and testament allows you to decide what happens with your estate after you have passed away. Creating a will with a Missouri City estate planning lawyer also allows you to protect your assets and make adequate provisions for any children you may have and other family members.
If you are considering drafting a will and are looking for reliable legal guidance, call or reach out to K.E. Bradley, Attorney & Counselor at Law. Our firm has the resources and experience needed to guide and assist individuals like yourself on a variety of different estate planning issues, including wills, trusts, probate, and guardianship. During your consultation, our estate planning lawyer in Missouri City would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your unique situation. Together, we can explore all of your estate planning options and discuss what makes sense for you and your family. Whether you are drafting your will or updating an existing estate plan, our firm can guide you through every stage of the legal process and help you navigate any critical decisions along the way.
Contact our Missouri City estate planning lawyer at (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082 or online to get started on your will.
Overview of Wills
A will, often referred to as a last will and testament, can be described as a legal document that indicates how a person (the testator) wants their estate, including any assets and property, to be distributed to beneficiaries or disposed of upon their death. A will can be used as a tool to ensure your exact wishes are carried out after you pass away.
With our Missouri City estate planning lawyer, drafting a will can enable you to do the following:
- Decide what happens to your assets or who receives certain property upon your death
- Bequeath your assets to a spouse, heirs, relatives, and other dependents
- Give specific instructions about how you want your estate to be administered
- Name a trusted person (guardian) to manage the inheritance you leave for any minor children
- Gift personal belongings to your family members
- Give gifts to schools, non-profits, and other charitable organizations
- Appoint a personal representative to administer your estate according to the terms of your will
- Choose a caretaker to care for your pets
Thinking of Drafting a Will?
The Different Types of Wills
There are basically two types of wills recognized under Texas law that you can choose from with your estate planning lawyer in Missouri City:
- Attested Will - An attested or formal will is a will that is in writing, prepared by an attorney, and is witnessed by two or more persons without interest in the will.
- Holographic Will - A holographic will is one that is entirely written in the testator's handwriting and signed by the testator. No witnesses are required for holographic wills to be valid.
Furthermore, attested wills are the most effective type of wills in Texas. Unlike other states, oral or nuncupative wills are no longer considered valid in Texas.
Common Inherited Assets
Some assets that are commonly inherited in Texas through a last will and testament include:
- A house or other real estate property
- Personal belongings and household items
- Pension or life insurance payouts
- Trusts and shares
- Money in a bank account
- Cars
- Family heirlooms
- Land
Contact our Missouri City estate planning lawyer to learn more about Texas inheritance laws.
What are the Benefits of Having a Will
Creating a will is important for a number of different reasons. Drafting a strategic will can:
- Protect your loved ones, life investments, and assets
- Determine how your estate will be distributed or administered
- Decide who will care for your minor children
- Reduce estate and inheritance taxes
- Avoid a lengthy probate process
- Avoid possible legal issues
- Help avoid or mitigate family disputes and conflict
- Enable you to make gifts and donations
- Prevent intestate succession (without a will, the state will decide how your assets will be distributed)
Unfortunately, many people often delay drafting their will or estate plans until it’s too late. Remember, it’s never too early to begin planning for your future with our estate planning lawyer in Missouri City.
How Legal Counsel Can Help
Many people make plans for the future but don’t often consider drafting a will as part of those plans. Should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to voice your opinion, your surviving loved ones can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your exact wishes. An experienced estate planning lawyer in Missouri City can help you draft the ideal will that best fits the unique needs of both you and your family.
Our founder, Kendrick Bradley, has devoted his entire career to offering reliable and experienced legal guidance to individuals and families attempting to navigate the complexities of estate planning. As your legal counsel, our team at K.E. Bradley can help you explore all of your legal options and outline an estate plan that meets your exact needs. Using extensive knowledge of the laws that govern wills and estate planning, your Missouri City estate planning lawyer will guide you through the process of drafting a will so that you can protect your assets and provide for your family long after you’re gone.
Schedule a Consultation with Our estate planning lawyer!
There’s no time better than the present to begin planning for the future. If you are thinking about drafting a will or estate plan, contact K.E. Bradley, Attorney & Counselor at Law, today to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Our Missouri City estate planning lawyer can offer you experienced legal counsel from start to finish.
Our firm proudly provides other estate planning services, such as trusts and probates for Missouri City, El Paso, and surrounding areas.
Call our estate planning lawyer in Missouri City (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082 or contact us online to get started on drafting your future today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a will and how does it work?
A will is a legal document that explains how your assets, property, and personal belongings should be distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children and specify funeral arrangements. A will only takes effect after your death and must go through probate, the court process that validates it and oversees asset distribution.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
If someone dies without a will, they are considered to have died intestate. In this case, state laws determine how assets are distributed, usually to the closest relatives. Dying without a will can lead to unintended distributions, court delays, and family disputes. It also means you have no control over who manages minor children or financial matters.
What are the requirements for a valid will?
Requirements vary by state, but generally, a valid will must be written by someone who is of legal age and of sound mind. It must clearly express your wishes, be signed by you, and usually be witnessed by one or more people who are not beneficiaries. Some states allow notarization to strengthen the will’s validity.
Do I need a lawyer to create a will?
While it’s possible to create a will without a lawyer, using an estate planning attorney ensures that your will complies with state laws, clearly expresses your wishes, and reduces the risk of mistakes or challenges after your death. Complex estates almost always benefit from professional guidance.
What should be included in a will?
A will should include instructions for distributing assets, naming an executor to manage your estate, and appointing guardians for minor children if applicable. You can also include specific gifts for family members, friends, or charities, as well as directions for funeral arrangements.
How often should I update my will?
Your will should be reviewed and updated whenever you experience major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets. Even without major changes, reviewing your will every few years ensures it stays current with your wishes and legal requirements.
What's the difference between a will and a living will?
A traditional will deals with distributing your assets after death, while a living will outlines your healthcare wishes if you become incapacitated and cannot communicate decisions. Living wills focus on medical treatments and end-of-life care, not finances or property.
What are the benefits of a living trust vs. a will?
A living trust can provide more control over when and how your assets are distributed, avoid probate, and maintain privacy. In contrast, a will must go through probate and becomes a public record. Trusts can also offer protection against creditors and provide smoother management of assets if you become incapacitated.
