Creating Wills That Accomplish Your Goals
When it comes to estate planning, the starting point is creating a will that clearly expresses your intent. A will allows you to give certain assets to specific people and organizations that you care about. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you are benefiting the ones you love and distributing your assets as you see fit.
At the Law Office of Sharon C. Stodghill, we draft customized, individually tailored wills for every client. We do not use standardized forms. Instead, we take the time to sit down with you, listen to your concerns and understand your estate planning goals. With that information, we work hard to create detailed wills that are clear, that accomplish your goals, and that minimize the time and expense of probate for your family. Whether your estate is large or small, creating a will is the most important step you can take to protect what you care about.
Call us today at 713-464-6412 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation or case evaluation. We proudly serve clients throughout Houston, the Spring/Memorial areas, Sugar Land, and anywhere in Harris, Fort Bend or Montgomery Counties.
Understanding Your Options
Texas law allows for the creation of a wide variety of different wills. Our experienced Houston wills attorneys can advise you on which option might work best for you. Some common types of wills are:
- Simple wills: If your estate is modest, or if you want to pass all of your property to one or two beneficiaries, a simple will may work for you. Like other wills, a simple will allows you to appoint an executor, lets everyone know your wishes, and decreases the time and expense associated with the probate process. These work best when there are no serious family disputes that may lead to litigation.
- Complex wills: If you want to pass your property to multiple beneficiaries or to certain beneficiaries based on a contingency, a complex will would work best. A complex will requires more detailed drafting to meet your specific needs. Whether your situation involves tax planning, use of trusts in your will for certain beneficiaries or coordination of beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance, a complex will enables you to feel comfortable that your loved ones are taken care of even in special circumstances.
- Tax planning wills: U.S. estate tax laws are constantly changing. A tax planning will is a tool used to minimize estate taxes, leaving more of your assets to your loved ones. Creating this type of will can prevent your family from being forced to sell your business, your house or other assets just to pay the estate tax. Rather than expose your assets to the government, consider this will as a way to maximize what you give your beneficiaries.
- Wills with built-in trusts: If you have a substantial estate and you are planning to leave it to an individual who is young, someone with special needs, or someone who you believe is not mature enough to handle the assets, a will with a built-in trust is an option for you. These wills allow you to name a trustee to manage the property for the beneficiary. The trustee will make sure that your beneficiary receives the amount of assets that you believe is reasonable, while safeguarding the other assets so they are not squandered.
These are just some of the types of wills that are available in Texas. When you come to us, we will explain your choices in more detail and help you select the will that can benefit you the most.
Contact a Missouri City Estate Planning Attorney for a Free Consultation
We are ready to help you prepare the type of will that best meets your needs. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced estate planning lawyer, please call 713-464-6412 or contact our Houston law firm online.
