A will is a foundational estate planning document that ensures that your assets will pass according to your wishes, rather than according to the state intestacy laws. Without a legally valid will, the Texas Intestate Succession Laws or North Carolina Intestate Succession Laws will determine who inherits your property. That may lead to your property passing in a manner that may not align with your intentions. An experienced North Carolina and Texas Will attorney can help you create a well-drafted Will that allows you to:
- Choose who inherits your assets instead of relying on state law
- Appoint a guardian to care for your minor children
- Name an executor to manage and distribute your estate
- Minimize legal complications and probate delays for your loved ones
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Dying without a will (intestate) in Texas and North Carolina can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as:
- Your spouse not automatically inheriting everything, especially if you have children from a previous relationship
- The court deciding who will care for your minor children
- Distant relatives inheriting your assets instead of close friends or charities you may have preferred
- A lengthy and costly probate process, making it harder for your loved ones to access their inheritance
Do You Need a Will?
Regardless of age or wealth, everyone should have a will. A well-crafted will provides peace of mind and ensures that your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored.
Get Help Drafting Your Will
An experienced estate planning attorney in Texas and North Carolina can help you create legally sound a legally sound Will that aligns with your estate planning goals. Whether you need a simple will, will that incorporate testamentary trusts, or a pour-over will, Rania Combs Law personalized guidance to ensure your property passes to your loved ones as seamlessly as possible.
Below, you’ll find important will-related topics, including articles on drafting wills, avoiding intestacy, and probate considerations in Texas and North Carolina. Explore these resources to learn more.
FAQs About Wills
Articles in this section answer some frequently asked questions about Wills.
The Risks of DIY Planning
Using a DIY document preparation is tempting because they cost less. Articles in this section explain why do-it-yourself Will and Trust services and not actually the cost-conscious solution they appear to be.
Requirements of a Valid Will
Texas has very specific requirements concerning Wills. If a Will does not comply with all these requirements, it can be declared invalid. The articles in this section contain information on what makes a Will valid in Texas and North Carolina.
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What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in North Carolina?
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What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in Texas?
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What are the Mental Requirements for Making a Will?
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Is A Will Valid if the Testator signed the Will Several Days Before the Witnesses?
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Can I Make a Will if I am Physically Incapable of Signing a Document?
Wacky Wills
Articles in this section highlight Wills that contain some interesting, and sometimes bizarre, bequests and stipulations.
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Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…: Reuben John Smith
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Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…” Leslie Ann Mandel
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Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…”- Harry Houdini
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Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm… “Rona Scroratow
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Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…: Billy Standley