Wills Attorney in Killeen 

Secure Your Legacy with a Carefully Considered Will 

When you pass away, what do you want to happen to your estate? Do you wish to pass property on to your family members and friends? Do you wish to ensure a charitable gift to an organization you love? Do you need to secure the guardianship of dependents in your care? You can address important questions like these with a well-considered will prepared by an experienced attorney. 

At The Law Office of Nancy Perry Eaton, PLLC, our attorney has the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to draft a will that secures your legacy. No matter how simple or complicated your wishes may be, we can help you ensure that your will clearly describes what must be done with your estate upon your passing. Investing time now in crafting your will with a capable lawyer can lessen the burden your loved ones will face at an already difficult time. 

If you’d like to learn more about how our wills attorney in Killeen can help, out to The Law Office of Nancy Perry Eaton, PLLC today. 

To get started, call our office at (254) 221-8588 or contact us online now. 

What Should I Include in My Will? 

A will is a very personal legal document. Because of this, what you include in your will should reflect what you want your legacy to look like. 

Generally speaking, however, your will should include the following: 

• List of significant assets
• Named heirs to inherit property
• Named executor of your estate
• Named guardian for minor children and other dependents

Listing Assets in Your Will

Your list of significant assets should include things like bank accounts, real estate, investments, and items of significant monetary value. If you own things with significant sentimental value but not much actual value – like a family heirloom – you should include these too! 

Naming Heirs to Inherit Property

Never assume someone will inherit property unless you make it so in your will. If you die without a will or naming heirs, Texas law will determine who your legal heirs are and how much property they can inherit. This often contradicts how people actually want to divide their estates. 

Always keep in mind that an oral will or statements about inheritance you make during your life are unlikely to carry legal weight compared to your written will. For this reason, make sure your written will explicitly and clearly states your instructions for inheritance.

Naming Your Estate’s Executor 

Who you assign as the executor of your estate matters a great deal. This is the person who is responsible for settling the affairs concerning your estate – everything from obtaining your death certificate to paying estate taxes and distributing inheritances. 

It’s important to select an executor you know would be capable of handling your estate’s legal and financial affairs. This person doesn’t really need any particular expertise, but they must be competent, organized, and – above all – trustworthy. You don’t have to inform someone ahead of time if you intend them to be the executor of your estate, but you can do so if you feel the need to discuss the issue with them. 

Keep in mind that your named executor can refuse their role when the time comes. In this case, the probate court will assign a different person as the personal representative of your estate. 

Naming a Guardian for Dependents 

If you have dependents such as minor children or an adult with disabilities in your care, it’s vital to ensure you find someone who can care for them when you can’t. This person should also be competent, organized, and trustworthy, but they should also be capable of providing basic care, comfort, and love. 

A legal guardian can be anyone, but most people choose relatives. Make sure the person you select as a legal guardian is willing to assume this role, because they can refuse when the time comes. If a named legal guardian refuses, and no one else is willing to step in, your dependents can be placed in a foster home or similar system. 

Do You Need Help Creating Your Will? 

Our wills attorney in Killeen has what it takes to ensure your wishes are enshrined in a carefully crafted will. For more information about how The Law Office of Nancy Perry Eaton, PLLC can help you, reach out to us and schedule an initial consultation. 

Get in touch with our firm today by submitting an online contact form.