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A will is probably the most important document you will ever sign. It is a legal document, specifying who will get your property, who will be responsible for your children, and who will manage your affairs after your death. If you do not leave a will, your wishes may not be taken into account, and the estate may be probated, introducing delays and costs to your beneficiaries.
But, it is estimated 70% of American adults still do not have a will.
If you do not write a will, the state will decide how your estate is distributed through a process known as probate. The procedure is lengthy and costly, leaving your loved ones to sort everything out whilst they are still in a state of grief over your death, and perhaps placing unnecessary hardship on them as they may need to ask the court each time they need money to pay bills, or settle an account. Through probate, the court will also decide who becomes the guardian of your children, how your property is distributed and to whom; and if you do not specify who gets your favorite watch or piece of jewelry, your heirs must fight for it in court.
Should you draft your own will? Should you use one of those web sites, offering a free last will and testament online? You can, but just remember, some lawyers make a lot of money in helping to clean up the mess often made by a somebody who drafts their own will, or uses a free last will and testament online web site. It is often well worth spending a small amount more and get it done right the first time. There are often contingencies, which you will not think to include in the will, such as a named beneficiary dying at the same time or before you, etc.
Making a will with an attorney is painless and easy, and with proper guidance, nothing is left to chance, leaving little or nothing for the court to decide. An experienced attorney can walk you through the steps, avoiding any pitfalls, leaving you with peace of mind in the knowledge that your affairs will be taken care of and your family will not have to endure the lengthy and costly probate process.
Attorney William Engelhaupt is an experienced estate planning lawyer, able to advise you and draft the necessary documents to insure your wishes are carried out and your estate passes to its beneficiaries in a timely and cost effective manner. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, Attorney William Engelhaupt helps clients located in Fort Bend County, Harris County and Brazoria County including Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fresno, and the Houston metropolitan area. If you are unsure of what steps to take in drafting your will, or would like to learn more, contact him now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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