All too often, we neglect estate planning as part of our lives. Maybe we feel that our financial worth is not large enough to justify the cost of estate planning, or we simply do not like to think about our own mortality. However, the harsh truth is, if you do not indicate to whom you want to pass your assets to upon your passing, then loved ones that you meant to protect may be left with little to nothing at all.

Texas does not recognize verbal wills. So only telling your friends or family members how you want your assets divided could result in your estate being distributed according to State Statutes or Court orders instead of your last wishes. In Texas, if a person dies without a will (intestate), then the decedent’s estate passes to the surviving spouse, if there is one, and only if the decedent does not have children by a previous spouse, which would result in the surviving spouse keeping her one half of the decedent’s community property and the children of the previous spouse receiving the remainder of the decedent’s community property estate.

A competent attorney is essential in helping you to protect your estate, and to see that it passes to those whom you wish to have it. The above example is only one of many variations of facts that affect ones estate. An attorney can also guide you as to which of your assets must pass through probate and which assets are non-probate assets. This is important because non-probate assets pass immediately to a beneficiary upon a decedent’s passing, avoiding court delays and probate expenses.

Law Offices Of David R. Caraway, PLLC has years of probate experience and can guide you in protecting and passing on your estate to those you love.

A properly executed Will can help insure that your loved ones receive assets as you intended. We can also help you plan for the future of family members who may not be fiscally responsible or incapable of handling their own finances through the use of various Trusts. Also, Texas has made available a means for your real estate to avoid probate. Law Offices Of David R. Caraway, PLLC will be happy to guide you and prepare these documents for you as well.

If you are reading this page, then you are thinking about the future of your family and estate.

Please contact Law Offices Of David R. Caraway, PLLC today to schedule a free initial consultation at (855) 888-2023 to discuss your case and how we can legally represent your interest.