Establishing A Last Will And Testament In Texas
Navigating the legal challenges of moving to a new country can be daunting. Our international lawyers at our Houston-based law firm understand this journey well. We represent clients worldwide who are looking to immigrate to the United States. Our firm offers a wide range of intersecting legal services to assist you and your family with all aspects of your transition to a new country.
With over 50 years of combined experience across multiple intersecting areas of law, our team is well-equipped to help you create an estate plan and draft a last will and testament that will reflect your life in a new country. Our wills and trusts attorneys also help create estate plans for Texas clients. By providing personalized guidance, a wills attorney can draft a customized will that reflects your legal goals and your unique asset and wealth portfolio. In addition, our estate planning lawyers can assist with any other estate planning documents that you might need, like trusts, powers of attorney or a living will.
What Is A Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you wish your assets to be distributed after your passing. It serves as a critical component of your estate plan. A wills attorney can draft a document that will allocate your property according to your wishes and make sure that your loved ones are taken care of. By having a will, you can also:
- Appoint a guardian for your minor children
- Specify who receives particular assets
- Choose an executor to manage your estate
A valid will reduces potential conflicts among your heirs. It can also minimize delays in the allocation and distribution of your assets. Overall, a will, along with other estate planning tools can provide clarity and peace of mind for you now, knowing that your wishes will be carried out and your family will be taken care of in the event something happens to you. In addition, you will know that you have made it easier for your family during what could be a difficult time.
What Does A Will In Texas Need In Order To Be Enforceable?
In Texas, in order for a will to be enforceable, it must meet specific legal requirements. These include:
- The person creating the will, known as the testator, must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- The will must be in writing and signed by the testator.
- Additionally, it requires the signatures of at least two witnesses who are at least 14 years old and who watched the testator sign the will.
While Texas does not require that a will be notarized, having the will notarized can further strengthen its validity. A notarized will makes it “self-proving.” A self-proving will can expedite the probate process. In any event, an experienced wills attorney can make sure that your will complies with all of the legal requirements in Texas to avoid potential disputes or complications in the future.
Consult A Houston Wills Attorney For Your Estate Plan Today
If you need assistance creating a valid Texas will, our wills and trusts attorneys are available to provide legal guidance and advice.
Whether you are immigrating to the U.S. and want to make sure you have a valid estate plan in the United States, need to review your existing will or need to draft a will, our legal team is ready to help. Consult a Houston wills attorney for your estate plan today by calling us at 888-745-4664 or by sending us a message through our website. Let us help you protect your assets and secure your family’s future.