Lewisville Wills Attorneys
What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document that states how your property should be distributed and other affairs should be handled upon your death. One of the main functions of this is document is to allow you to transfer your assets in the manner you see fit, rather in the manner determined by Texas' default intestacy laws. Through a validly executed Will, you may devise and bequeath all title and interest in the property you own at the time of your death to the persons, charities or other entities of your choosing.
Along with providing for "who gets what," a Will also allows you to appoint who you want to preside over your estate and wrap up your affairs (your "executor"), select who you want to provide the care and custody of your minor children (a "guardian"), provide how you want your estate handled in the probate court ("independent administration" or "dependent administration"), and direct how your debts and taxes will be paid.
In order for a Will to be valid, it must be executed by an individual who is at least 18 years of age (or if under 18, who is lawfully married or a member of the armed services) and of sound mind. Other statutory procedural requirements must be met, including special rules regarding execution, witnessing, and self-proof.
When a Will is "admitted to probate," it is essentially approved as valid by a probate court. Once the Will is admitted, your executor will take an oath and receive letters testamentary, authorizing him or her to deal with your accounts and other assets in distributing your estate according to the terms of the Will.
Understanding wills
It is a common assumption that a Last Will and Testament will comprehensively provide for the passing of your entire estate upon your death. While a Will is an essential element of your estate plan, it is important to remember that not all property you own will pass to the persons you choose by means of a Will. Only "probate assets" are distributed through a Will (or through the Texas intestacy laws if you die without a Will); "non-probate assets" are left to your beneficiaries entirely independently from you Will, instead passing via contract.
Probate assets generally consist of titled property (such as real estate, mineral rights and vehicles), personal property (such as clothes, jewelry, heirlooms, memorabilia, collections and other household items), and stocks or other financial holdings for which no payable-on-death designations have been made. Thus if your entire estate consists of home and its contents, a car, and a non-POD bank account, a Will should wholly provide for the distribution of your property, as these are all "probate assets." Frequently, however, a person's estate will also include assets such as a financial account with right of survivorship, a retirement account, or life insurance. Therefore it is most likely that an estate will be comprised of a mixture of both probate and non-probate property. For this reason, it is very important to discuss the difference between probate and non-probate property with a trusted estate planning attorney to coordinate the passage of your entire estate.
A Last Will and Testament is an important legal document that should be drafted with both careful precision and thorough consideration. This document will allow your loved ones to carry out your final wishes, your financial goals, and your family legacy. For more information on preparing a valid Texas Will or to understand some Will FAQs, please contact the estate planning attorneys at the Law Office of Dale A. Burrows, P.C. today.
Get advice about your Will that you can put into legal action
At the Law Office of Dale A. Burrows, P.C., we believe a strong Will ensures a lasting legacy. We turn your concerns into effective plans for the estate you wish to leave to your heirs. Call us today for an immediate consultation at 888-845-4119, or complete our contact web form.
