Texas Last Will & Testament Attorneys
Helping you plan for loved ones and legacy
Many people assume that even if they don’t have a Last Will & Testament, their family will get equal shares of their assets—but this isn’t necessarily the case.
In the absence of a will, the court will dole out inheritance by percentage of blood relation, and unless that inheritance is straight cash, there will likely be some tension around the division of specific property.
The Last Will & Testament attorneys at the law firm of Shann M. Chaudhry Esq., Attorney at Law PLLC have extensive experience in working with clients to craft a Last Will & Testament that fits their specific needs and wishes.
We pride ourselves on listening carefully to our clients’ preferences and concerns and bringing a communicative, empathetic approach to all our legal services.
If you need to create or revise a Last Will & Testament or estate plan, contact us. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process.
What Is a Last Will & Testament?
A Last Will & Testament allows someone to legally state who gets what when they die. The “who” can be family members, friends, charities, or other organizations. A will also allows a person to name an executor or personal representative—the person responsible for wrapping up their estate and distributing assets in accordance with the will.
A Last Will & Testament allows parents to legally name guardians for their minor children.
While it’s statistically unlikely that this feature of a will would be needed, knowing that your children would be raised by someone you trust and whose values align with yours can provide immense peace of mind. For many parents, this is far preferable to having a judge who doesn’t know them make the decision instead.
A Last Will & Testament is a foundational aspect of any estate plan. In a time of high stress and grief, it provides clarity and certainty of your intentions for friends and family.
Differences between a Last Will and Living Will
A Last Will is how you specify who you’d like to inherit your property and other assets after you pass on.
A Living Will is a legal document in which you state preferences for health care treatments, should you be unable to express informed consent or preferences to your doctors and loved ones.
Also called an advanced directive or a Directive to Physician, a Living Will provides invaluable guidance for your family if you’re incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions about your health care.
Like a Last Will, a Living Will should be included in your estate planning documents.
Differences between a Last Will and Living Will
A Last Will is how you specify who you’d like to inherit your property and other assets after you pass on.
A Living Will is a legal document in which you state preferences for health care treatments, should you be unable to express informed consent or preferences to your doctors and loved ones.
Also called an advanced directive or a Directive to Physician, a Living Will provides invaluable guidance for your family if you’re incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions about your health care.
Like a Last Will, a Living Will should be included in your estate planning documents.
Why Work with a Last Will & Testament Attorney?
Although a lawyer isn’t required to make a legal Last Will & Testament in Texas, it’s strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced estate attorney or law firm to make sure the process is completed properly.
If you fail to properly create the necessary document(s), then there’s a chance it won’t be executed according to your wishes..
For business owners, working with an estate attorney to create a will can be an especially important step in clarifying how their business should be treated after they pass on.
A will must go through probate court, which is a process that includes making sure a will is legally valid. A will downloaded from the internet that isn’t specific to you is more likely to have issues than a will crafted with the legal advice of a Last Will & Testament attorney.
Your unique goals and preferences cannot be reflected in a generic, internet-downloaded will. However, an experienced attorney can provide helpful advice on how to craft an estate plan specific to you.
At SMCESQ PLLC, we’ll take a look at your goals, as well as your financial and family situation, and design an estate plan tailored to your needs.
Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney in San Antonio
The Last Will & Testament attorneys at SMCESQ PLLC have many years of experience in working with clients to create effective estate plans unique to their situations and preferences.
We offer consistent communication, true listening, and an empathetic approach. Likewise, we pride ourselves on thoughtful, knowledgeable strategy in designing an estate plan that’s right for you.
If you need to create or revise a will or estate plan, contact us today for a consultation—and plan ahead for your legacy and loved ones.
Texas Last Will & Testament FAQs
How do you make a Last Will & Testament?
To make a Last Will & Testament, speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. They can help you incorporate your goals into your estate plan and make specific adjustments for your individual needs, such as clarifying what you’d like to have happen with your business.
An attorney can work with you to:
- Choose a personal representative or executor who you trust to effectively and honestly manage your estate and distribute assets
- Name your beneficiaries and which property or assets they’ll inherit
- Specify a guardian for your minor children
- Create a self-proving affidavit
It’s important to note that a Last Will & Testament is the foundation of a strong estate plan, but there are other important steps to take, as well. If you need an experienced estate planning attorney in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, the legal team at SMCESQ PLLC can provide you with knowledgeable and communicative counsel in creating your Last Will & Testament and comprehensive estate plan.
Should I “DIY” a Last Will & Testament or hire an attorney?
While you can create a will without legal advice, there’s no substitute for an attorney. An experienced estate planning attorney understands how specific legal requirements and nuances apply to your individual situation.
An estate planning lawyer has the knowledge and insights to give you relevant, personalized advice and guidance that you can’t find on the Internet.
Not only does this provide a stronger assurance that your will is legally valid, but it also provides peace of mind that it could withstand being contested.
Your will is part of your legacy—and as such, most people want their wills to reflect their individual preferences. This is especially true for business owners who may wish to address how their business is managed or treated in their will.
What does a Last Will & Testament lawyer cost in Texas?
There’s no single answer as to how much it costs to work with an attorney in crafting your Last Will & Testament. While different attorneys charge different rates, they also have different levels of experience, which may be reflected in their understanding of strategy, potential issues, and solutions.
Ultimately, the cost varies, but after an initial consultation, most attorneys are able to provide you with a solid estimate.
Unlike litigation or mediation, in which timelines depend on two sides resolving an issue, wills and estate plans are more cut-and-dried—and therefore there aren’t unexpected factors that may change the cost at the last minute.