Simple Wills Attorney in Colleyville, Texas

When it comes to planning for the future, one of the most straightforward and essential tools you can use is a will. A will, especially a simple one, can provide peace of mind knowing your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. 

Serving Colleyville, Texas, you can rely on Tefera Law Firm, PLLC. An estate planning attorney will advise clients that having a will in place is crucial in the estate planning process, even if they don't have a large estate or complicated financial situation. Let’s explore what a simple will is, how it works, and why it’s important for every Texas resident to have one. Contact Tefera Law Firm, PLLC if you're seeking personalized legal advice or assistance.

What Is a Simple Will?

A simple will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property and assets distributed after your death. It’s called “simple” because it typically doesn’t include any complicated provisions or trusts, which can be more involved and require additional legal steps. 

Instead, a simple will focuses on basic estate planning needs, making it ideal for individuals who want to specify who should receive their assets, name guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor to carry out their wishes.

In Texas, a simple will can be used to direct how personal property, real estate, and financial assets should be divided among beneficiaries. You can also use it to name a trusted person to manage your estate after your passing. For many people, a simple will is all they need to have their estate plan in place.

Why Do You Need a Simple Will?

Many people believe that a will is only necessary for those with large estates, but this simply isn’t the case. Even if you don’t have a vast amount of property, a simple will can still provide significant benefits, such as:

• Clarifying your wishes: A will helps avoid confusion and makes sure that your assets go to the people you want them to go to. Without a will, the state of Texas will determine how your property is distributed, which may not reflect your personal preferences.

• Appointing guardians for minor children: If you have young children, a simple will allows you to designate a guardian who will care for them if something happens to you. This is one of the most crucial aspects of estate planning for parents.

• Naming an executor: The executor of your will is the person who will manage your estate, pay off debts, and distribute assets according to your wishes. With a will, you get to choose who this person will be, giving you more control over how your estate is handled.

• Reducing confusion among family members: A will can help reduce disputes among family members by clearly stating your intentions. This can help prevent lengthy legal battles and emotional conflicts.

• Saving time and money: Having a will in place can help streamline the probate process. Without a will, the court may need to get involved to determine how to divide your assets, which can lead to delays and additional expenses.

As an estate planning attorney, our firm encourages all of our clients to take this important step, regardless of the size or intricacies of their estate. A simple will can be the foundation of a solid estate plan that brings clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

What’s Included in a Simple Will?

A simple will typically includes the following key components:

• Declaration of intent: This is a statement that declares the document is your will and that it reflects your wishes.

• Appointment of executor: This section names the person who will carry out your wishes after your death. The executor will be responsible for managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets.

• Distribution of assets: In this section, you specify how your property and assets should be distributed among your beneficiaries. This could include family members, friends, or charitable organizations.

• Guardianship of minor children: If you have children under the age of 18, you can name a guardian to care for them if both parents are no longer able to do so. This is one of the most important aspects of a simple will for parents.

• Residuary clause: This clause addresses any assets that may not have been specifically named in your will. It directs how any remaining property should be distributed.

• Witness signatures: Texas law requires that your will be signed by at least two witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries under the will. Their role is to verify that you signed the will willingly and were of sound mind at the time.

It’s important to note that a simple will doesn’t deal with more complicated issues like minimizing estate taxes or creating trusts, but it can still be a highly effective way to make sure your basic wishes are respected.

How Estate Planning Attorneys Help with Simple Wills

Although it’s possible to create a simple will on your own, consulting with estate planning attorneys can help make sure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with Texas law. A will that isn’t properly drafted or witnessed could be contested after your death, leading to confusion and disputes among your beneficiaries.

As an experienced estate planning attorney, Chrissy Tefera will guide you through the process of creating a will that fits your unique needs. Here’s how we can help:

• Providing legal advice: We can discuss your specific situation and help you understand how your will fits into your overall estate plan. Whether you have children, own property, or have specific wishes for your assets, we can help you address all relevant issues.

• Customizing the will to fit your needs: While a simple will may be straightforward, we understand that each client’s circumstances are different. We’ll work with you to create a will that aligns with your goals.

• Providing compliance with Texas law: Texas has specific laws that govern the creation of wills, and we make sure your will is legally sound. For example, Texas law allows for handwritten wills, but they must meet certain requirements. We help you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your will.

• Addressing future changes: Life circumstances change over time, and you may want to revise your will as your family grows or your financial situation changes. We can help you modify your will as needed.

By working with estate planning attorneys, you can rest assured that your will will be drafted in the best possible way to protect your interests and the interests of your loved ones.

When Should You Update Your Simple Will?

Even if you have a simple will in place, there are several key life events that may warrant an update. Some of these include:

• Marriage or divorce: If you get married or divorced, you may want to update your will to reflect the changes in your family situation.

• Birth of a child: If you have a new child, you’ll want to make sure that they’re included in your will and that guardianship provisions are updated.

• Changes in assets: If your financial situation changes significantly, such as purchasing a home or receiving an inheritance, you may want to update your will to include these assets.

• Death of a beneficiary or executor: If someone named in your will passes away, you’ll need to update your will to designate new beneficiaries or an executor.

Estate planning is an ongoing process, and we recommend reviewing your will every few years to make sure it still reflects your wishes. If there have been significant changes in your life, it’s wise to make updates promptly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Simple Will

While creating a simple will is an important step in your estate planning process, there are common mistakes people make that can lead to problems later on. Some of these mistakes include:

• Not updating your will: As mentioned, life changes should prompt an update to your will. Failure to do so can lead to unintended consequences.

• Choosing the wrong executor: Your executor should be someone you trust to manage your estate, but it’s also important that they’re capable of handling the responsibilities involved. Discuss this role carefully before making a decision.

• Overlooking special bequests: If you want to leave specific items, such as heirlooms or gifts, to certain individuals, make sure they’re clearly listed in your will to avoid confusion.

• Not signing your will properly: In Texas, your will must be signed by you and two witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries. Failing to meet this requirement can make your will invalid.

As an estate planning attorney, our lawyer can help you avoid these and other mistakes, making sure your simple will is clear, legally valid, and aligned with your goals.