Midland Attorneys Helping Families Create Wills That Protect Their Legacy

Creating a will is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family. Ward, Myers & Stallings focuses exclusively on estate planning and family law, giving our attorneys a depth of experience that general practice firms simply cannot match. For you, it means working with a team that truly understands what is at stake.

What You Need To Know About Wills In Texas

A last will and testament is a legal document that defines who receives your assets and how your property passes to others after you die. Here is what a properly prepared will can accomplish:

• Name a guardian for your minor children
• Direct the distribution of your assets and property
• Appoint an executor to manage your estate
• Provide for a spouse, partner or other loved ones
• Exclude specific individuals from your estate
• Minimize disputes among surviving family members
• Leave charitable gifts or donations

However, if you die without a will in Texas, the state applies intestate succession laws to determine what happens to your property. Those laws follow a fixed formula and do not account for your personal wishes or relationships. A will puts you in control of those decisions.

Because our attorneys practice both estate planning and family law, we understand the full picture of your family’s needs and we use that perspective to build a will that truly reflects your wishes.

Requirements For A Valid Will In Texas

Texas law sets clear standards for what makes a will legally valid. Your will must satisfy each of the following requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old or be legally married or serving in the armed forces.
• Written form: Your will must be a written document, either handwritten or typed.
• Signature: You must sign your will or direct someone to sign it in your presence.
• Witnesses: Two credible witnesses age 14 or older must sign your will in your presence.
• Mental capacity: You must understand what property you own and who will receive it.

A properly prepared will reduces the risk of legal disputes and gives your family the clarity they deserve.

Do Not Leave Your Loved Ones Without A Plan

Your family deserves the clarity and security that a proper estate plan provides. Our attorneys are direct and assertive advocates who will work hard to stand up for your wishes. Call our office at 432-315-0335 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation today.