Wills

While there are many aspects of a comprehensive estate plan, drafting a will with the help of our skilled Houston wills attorney, should be your top priority. Wills are one of the most popular ways to decide how your estate will be handled when you die. At Chargois Harper Attorneys and Counselors At Law, we can guide you through the steps of writing a legally binding will. We focus on helping clients give shape to their legacies through the creation of wills. Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation with our credible Texas estate planning lawyers to learn more about your options.

Though it may seem difficult to think about your death or leaving your family too soon, creating a last will and testament will benefit those you love the most. Should you pass or become incapacitated unexpectedly, your family will be spared from unnecessary stress as they take your estate through the probate process. With the help of our trusted Houston wills attorney, the process of determining the distribution of your assets can be easy. At Chargois Harper Attorneys and Counselors At Law, we are here to:

• offer a wide range of estate planning services to our clients in Houston and across many of the surrounding areas.
• handle and resolve even the most complex wills, trusts, probate, and other estate disputes.
• develop personalized estate plans that enable our clients to stay true to their values and achieve their estate planning goals.
• respect the unique concerns and wishes of each client, ensuring that they are met within the context of the legal requirements for trustees, executors, guardians, beneficiaries, and heirs.
• protect your family and prepare for the future using wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and other estate planning documents.
• provide the most appropriate legal advice that matches our client’s needs and helps achieve their estate planning goals.

Whether you need help preparing an estate plan or handling the probate of a loved one, we focus solely on you. We have more than 30 years of experience in dealing with family law, real estate, estate planning, and probate cases in Texas. Contact our law office now and schedule an initial consultation with our competent Houston estate planning attorney.

A will, sometimes called a “last will and testament,” is considered the most well-known and common form of an estate plan. It allows a person to designate how their estate is managed and distributed upon their death. The person who creates a will (testator) can have peace of mind knowing that the will’s instructions will be honored. Our knowledgeable Houston wills attorney can help you understand the benefits of creating a will as part of your estate plan. You can also use a will to:

• appoint an executor
• serve as a backup to a living trust
• name guardians for children and their property
• provide for pets
• decide how taxes and debts will be paid

Drafting a last will and testament is not as simple as finding a form and filling it out. There are several requirements that you must fulfill. Our qualified Houston wills lawyer can ensure that your will accomplishes everything you want in compliance with the state law. When preparing a will, most states require the following elements:

• The testator is of “sound mind” and is at least 18 years old.
• The will is handwritten, typed, or computer-printed.
• The inclusion of a statement that the document is the testator’s will.
• The appointment of an executor
• The will must have at least one provision that appoints a guardian for minor children or a provision that distributes a property
• The testator and at least two adult witnesses must sign the will

Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, means that you do not get to have control over what happens to your estate after your death. It runs the risk of the probate court making decisions that do not reflect your wishes and intentions. Failure to create a will can lead to disputes between family members, expensive lawsuits, intestate succession, and ruining relationships. If you die without a will, a judge will apply Texas intestate succession laws to determine who will act as your estate’s executor and how your assets get distributed. A credible Houston wills lawyer can help you navigate and understand these state laws. Because Texas law prioritizes immediate family members when distributing estate assets, your close friends or distant relatives are unlikely to receive anything. Your specific wishes for your estate will not be taken into consideration if you die without leaving a will.

Several types of wills can be created depending on your financial state and the depth to which you want to control how your estate is treated at the time of your death. Wills can vary in their exact structure, form, and purpose. Since there are many types of wills to choose from, many people do not understand which kind of will is right for their particular situation. A top-ranking Houston wills lawyer can review your situation to help you determine which type of will is right for your specific circumstances.

Simple Will

A simple will outlines who has the legal right to receive the testator’s assets after their death. In addition, the testator can also appoint an executor of their estate to handle the administration after their passing, designate guardians for their minor children, and stipulate how they want their assets to be distributed to heirs and beneficiaries.

Joint Will

A joint will is a single document that two people make and sign together. It combines the wishes of both partners into one document that cannot be changed without permission from one another. Once the first partner dies, a joint will automatically become irrevocable, meaning that the surviving partner cannot change the terms of the document.

Holographic Will

A holographic will must be written completely in your handwriting, and signed by you. There is no requirement that it be signed by any witnesses.

Pour-Over Will

A pour-over will is a type of will that is commonly used along with a revocable living trust. This estate planning document requires any assets that the testator did not include in their living trust to “pour over” or transfer into the trust upon the testator’s death. It is used to capture any property that was unintentionally left out of the living trust.

Planning for your family’s future is an important step no one should neglect. Many often believe estate planning is strictly for the wealthy, but creating a will can benefit most individuals. Having a comprehensive estate plan in place makes it easier for your family members and loved ones after you pass and ensures you maintain control over the decision-making process. At Chargois Harper Attorneys and Counselors At Law, our experienced Houston wills attorneys are here to help you understand your options, determine the best choices, and help you create an effective will or trust. Our estate planning law firm will collaborate with you to create a solid estate plan that truly provides for your family, now and in the future. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress. We will help ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are well taken care of when you are gone. Call our law office now and schedule an initial consultation with our Houston estate planning lawyer.