Dallas and Denton Wills and Estate Planning Questions

The following answers apply only to Wills drawn up in the State of Texas.

What is a Last Will & Testament? It is a document that you execute to direct your agent(s) or executor(s) on what to do with the real and/or personal property you leave behind after your death. The only way to avoid intestacy is to leave a valid will. Please note that you have no right to make a will. Making a will is a privilege that the government gives you, and to make an effective will, there must be exact compliance, rather than substantial compliance, with all legal requirements.

What is a Holographic Will?
It is a Will written entirely in your own handwriting, and you must sign the Will.

What is intestacy?
This happens when a person dies without a will and their estate passes to their heir-at-law or next of kin by priority. In Texas, if no one claims estate at the end of 7 years, estate passes to the State.