League City Will Attorney

Whether you have a small estate or significant assets, a clear, properly executed will makes a difference. Without one, you put the State of Texas in charge of deciding who gets what, which may not reflect your intentions. Lewis Law Firm PLLC helps individuals and families throughout Galveston and Harris County draft wills that protect what matters most.

Understanding the Power of a Legally Valid Will

A will, also known as a last will and testament, outlines how to distribute your property when you pass. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children and appoint an executor to follow your instructions. These choices provide peace of mind now and direction later for your loved ones.

If you die without a valid will, state law controls who inherits your estate. That may lead to unwanted outcomes, delays, or disputes between family members. A will attorney in League City can guide you through your options and prepare documents that comply with Texas legal standards.

Key Elements of a Legally Valid Will

Texas law sets specific requirements for a valid will. If the document does not meet these standards, a court may refuse to honor it.

Your will must be:

• Made by someone at least 18 years old (or legally emancipated);
• In writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will); and
• Signed by at least two credible witnesses, who must be over 14 and not named as beneficiaries.

You can also make a holographic will, which is written entirely in your handwriting and signed. However, these documents often lead to confusion or legal challenges. A will lawyer helps ensure your will meets all legal requirements and stands up in court.

What You Can Include in a Will

A well-crafted will can do more than direct the disposition of your property. It also allows you to:

• Name a guardian for your children if they are under 18;
• Choose someone to manage property for minor beneficiaries;
• Decide how to distribute personal items, digital assets, and keepsakes; and
• Provide instructions for debts, taxes, and funeral arrangements.

Your document should be clear, specific, and easy for your executor to carry out. If your wishes change over time, you can amend your will with a codicil or replace it with a new one.

What a Will Cannot Do

While a will is a powerful tool, it has limitations. A will cannot override beneficiary designations on accounts such as life insurance policies, retirement plans, or payable-on-death bank accounts. Those assets pass directly to the named individuals, regardless of what the will says. It also does not control jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, which transfers automatically to the surviving owner.

Wills do not protect assets from probate or creditors, nor can they manage property during your lifetime. You would need tools like a trust or a power of attorney for that. Additionally, you cannot use a will to place illegal conditions on gifts, appoint guardians for adult dependents without court approval, or direct long-term care for pets without setting up a pet trust.

We can help you understand what your will can and cannot do and recommend the right documents to cover any gaps.

When to Update Your Will with the Help of a Will Attorney in League City

Life changes often require changes to your estate plan. You should consider revising your will if you:

• Get married or divorced,
• Have a child or adopt,
• Move to or from Texas,
• Acquire significant property,
• Start or close a business, or
• Want to change your executor or beneficiaries.

Failing to update your will after a major life event can create legal problems later. A will lawyer in League City can review your current plan and help you make adjustments that reflect your current goals.

How a Will Fits into a Broader Estate Plan

A will is an essential part of an estate plan, but it is not the only tool you may need. Understanding the difference between estate planning and a will helps you see why a complete plan may also include documents that manage your affairs during your lifetime and help avoid probate. A thoughtful plan can also reduce family disputes and provide peace of mind about future financial and medical decisions.

Your complete estate plan may include:

• Trusts for specific assets or beneficiaries,
• Powers of attorney for financial and legal decisions,
• Medical directives and HIPAA authorizations,
• Beneficiary designations for retirement accounts or life insurance, and
• A letter of instruction or funeral plan.

Lewis Law Firm PLLC assists clients with creating coordinated, legally sound estate plans. Every document we draft is designed to work together with your will and Texas probate law.