WILLS ATTORNEY 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 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 my firm, K.E. Bradley Attorney & Counselor at Law, today. I have 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. I 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, I can guide you through every stage of the legal process and help you navigate any key decisions along the way. My firm is proud to serve clients throughout Missouri City, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Sugar Land, Katy, Friendswood, Pearland, and Fresno, Texas — so call today to learn more about how I can help you with your will or estate plan.

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. 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 for 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

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WILLS

There are basically two types of wills recognized under Texas law — an attested will and a holographic will.

• 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

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)

The unfortunate reality is that many people often delay drafting their will or estate plan until it’s too late. Remember, it’s never too early to begin planning for your future.

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 Texas estate planning attorney can help you draft the ideal estate plan that best fits the unique needs of both you and your family.

I have devoted my 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, I can help you explore all of your legal options and outline an estate plan that meets your exact needs. Using my extensive knowledge of the laws that govern wills and estate planning, I 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. So if you or someone you know is considering a will or estate plan, call or reach out to my office today for help!