Fort Worth Wills & Trusts Lawyer

Drafting Wills & Trusts in Texas

What would happen to your family if you suddenly died? What about your children? Do you want the court to decide who in your family gets what? Or worse, do you want the court to decide who cares for your children? A will is an important document for anyone to have, regardless of income or status. We can help you draft a will that meets your needs, and that evolves as your family and situation change.

Do I Need a Will?

Yes, you need a will. No matter who you are, where you work, what you do, or how much money you make, you need a will. High-profile stories about celebrities who die without a will highlight the misery that can befall a family when someone dies without a will.

Keep in mind that a will doesn’t just address money. It also addresses how you want to be buried, whom you want to leave your possessions to, and whom you want to care for your child if you die. A will is your last word on the things that matter most. It’s not something to neglect—even if you don’t have a penny to your name. Consider what can happen if you die without a will:

Your loved ones could end up fighting over your assets in probate court.

• If you have a child, the court will be left to appoint a guardian. Loved ones could get involved in an ugly custody fight.
• Sentimental possessions might not go to the people you want to have them.
• The state could take control of your assets if you have no obvious heir.

Your family deserves better. Don’t leave a mess behind. Don’t make your loved ones burn through your estate fighting over its distribution. A will is easy to draw up in most cases, and can save a lot of heartache.

What a Will Does

The simplest will lists whom you want to take over your assets if you die. But a will can address virtually anything you want to address when you die. Using your will, you can:

• List the location of your possessions, and name who gets them.
• Appoint a guardian for your child.
• Set up a trust for a child.
• Leave money or assets for a charity.

A will prevents your loved ones from having to hire an attorney and waste time and money accessing your assets. This is especially important if you have children or are married, or if you have family members whom you worry may attempt to take possession of assets that are not rightfully theirs.

Wills vs. Estate Planning: Understanding The Difference

A will is simply a document that lists to whom your possessions go if you die. Estate planning is a more complex undertaking. Estate planning means meeting with a lawyer to discuss and think critically about your options, then craft a will that addresses your estate planning goals.

Anyone can print a will off of the Internet. Estate planning ensures that the will meets your needs, and minimizes conflict. A poorly crafted will can send your family to probate court fighting for years. It can waste your assets on attorneys and disputes. A well-designed will is virtually airtight, and ensures your wishes are followed.

We can help with the full spectrum of estate planning needs, including:

• Irrevocable trusts
• Living wills
• Insurance trusts
• Special needs trusts
• Revocable living trusts
• Health care directives
• Powers of attorney
• Special situations such as guardianship of a special needs child

If you’re not wealthy, it’s even more important to have a will. That’s because the process of fighting over your will can bankrupt your estate, leaving your family with little or nothing. So don’t allow your financial state to deter you from protecting your family.

No matter how much money you have, no matter who will be left behind, let us show you how to ensure your loved ones are cared for. You need a will. We can help. Call us today!