Dallas-Fort Worth Wills Attorneys

We Simplify all Aspects of Wills

Crain & Wooley knows that you have worked hard your whole life to provide for your family. That is why we are dedicated to providing clients with the comprehensive legal services and reliable legal representation they need to make sure their assets are passed on to their loved ones when they pass away.

Our will lawyers in Dallas of dedicated legal professionals can help you prepare for life’s eventualities and other situations that might take your loved ones by surprise by drafting an effective will. With our firm’s legal guidance and assistance, you and your loved ones can feel secure in the future knowing your important affairs will be properly handled when you pass away.

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Our compassionate Dallas wills lawyer knows how important it is to proactively plan for the future, so please call (972) 945-1610 or contact us online today so we can discuss everything that needs to be included 
in your will. 

What Is a Will?

A last will and testament is probably the most common form of estate planning. A last will and testament is typically a type-written document that is signed in front of a Notary Public. Your will states your wishes regarding disbursement of assets and allows you to:

• Designate who receives your assets
• Designate who will oversee your estate (Executor)
• Provide for certain life scenarios, like a child preceding you in death
• Ensure the court has a record of your last wishes

A last will and testament serves to establish basic guidelines for asset distribution. To execute a last will and testament, your Executor must complete the probate process. In the DFW metroplex, the average probate case takes about 6 months to complete and costs about $10,000 in court, attorney, accounting, and appraisal fees.

If you pass away without a valid will, you risk your estate being contested by other parties. If this occurs, your intended beneficiaries will have to go to court to fight for the assets and property that they are entitled to. The best way to avoid unintended consequences with important estate matters is to hire an experienced lawyer to draft your last will and testament.

Are you having difficulty talking to a loved one about the importance of drafting a will and handling other important estate planning affairs? Then please click here to find out the best way to approach these topics with respect and sensitivity.

When Should I Write My Will?

Creating a will should be proactive not reactive. You should get started on writing your will if you are married, have kids or have a positive net worth.

How to Create a Will?

1. Determine the Appropriate Will Type: Identify the most suitable type of will for your circumstances.
2. Outline Your Assets: Compile a list of assets you wish to include in your will, ensuring thoroughness and clarity.
3. Designate Beneficiaries: Thoughtfully decide who will inherit your assets, considering their needs and your wishes.
4. Select an Executor: Choose a trusted individual to carry out the instructions in your will efficiently and responsibly.
5. Address Guardianship for Minors: If you have underage children, carefully designate a guardian who will provide them with care and support.
6. Consider Charitable Contributions: While optional, you may opt to include a charitable organization as a beneficiary in your will.
7. Witness and Sign: Finalize your will by signing it in the presence of witnesses, ensuring legal validity.
8. Secure Storage: Store your will in a secure location, such as a safe or with a trusted advisor, to prevent loss or tampering.
9. Regular Review and Updates: Periodically revisit your will, making necessary adjustments to reflect significant life changes or updates in your preferences.

What are the Benefits of a Will? 

Writing a will is an essential step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Our experienced wills attorneys at Crain & Wooley can help you create a comprehensive will that covers all aspects of your estate, including property, finances, and guardianship for minor children.

Benefits of having a comprehensive will include:

• Peace of mind knowing your loved ones are taken care of
• Clear instructions for asset distribution
• Minimization of potential conflicts among family members
• Protection of your children's future
• Avoidance of intestacy laws determining asset distribution

Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us today to start the process of drafting your will and protecting your loved ones' future.

What Are The Requirements For Creating a Valid Texas Will?

Creating a valid will in the state of Texas is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed according to your intentions. As experienced Dallas-Fort Worth will lawyers, we can guide you through the process to ensure that your will meets all legal requirements.

Below are some of the key requirements for ensuring that your will is valid in Texas:

• Age and Capacity: The individual making the will, known as the testator, must be at least 18 years old. The testator must also possess testamentary capacity, which entails understanding the nature of creating a will and its implications.
• Written Document: A written will is required. Texas does not accept oral wills, thus having a written will is crucial.
• Proper Signature: The testator must sign the will with two witnesses present. The will must also be signed by the witnesses.
• Witnesses: The will must be witnessed by at least two credible witnesses who are at least 14 years old. These witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator. Ideally, the witnesses should not be beneficiaries to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
• Self-Proving Affidavit: A self-proving affidavit is not necessary, but it can make the probate process easier. In order to verify the legality of the will and do away with the requirement for witnesses to testify in court, this entails the testator and witnesses signing an affidavit in front of a notary public.

Our team of will attorneys in Dallas-Fort Worth can help ensure that your will complies with all Texas laws and effectively reflects your wishes. By consulting with a knowledgeable attorney at Crain & Wooley, you can achieve peace of mind knowing that your will is legally sound and enforceable.

Contact Us to Get Started Drafting Your Will

At Crain & Wooley, we understand that you want to feel confident knowing your valuable assets and property will be passed on to your loved ones, which is why we are here to help you draft a will that is tailored to your unique estate planning goals.

If you have additional questions regarding drafting a will, then please get in touch with an estate planning attorney at our firm so you can meet our friendly team. When you choose our law firm, we will take the time to get to know you and become familiar with the specific details of your circumstances so that we can devise a customized legal strategy.

Related Reading:

• Do I Need Probate If I Have a Will in Texas?
• Why Would I Revoke My Will?
• What Is a Holographic Will?
• Wills vs. Trusts: How to Keep Important Matters Private
• How Do I Talk With My Loved Ones About Writing a Will or a Trust

If you want a seasoned lawyer in your corner as you navigate the legal process, please call (972) 945-1610 today to discuss how we can bring peace of mind to you and your family. You can also use our online scheduler to pick out an appointment time that conveniently fits your busy schedule.