We get this question a lot: “Do I really need an attorney to create a will in Texas?” Everyone has seen the online companies that allow you to create a will for $99. Some office supply stores sell the forms so you can do it yourself for even less. So with all these cheap alternatives do you really need an attorney?
Perhaps you have guessed my answer. It is “Yes!” of course. But, here is the “why” behind that answer that you might not be expecting…
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all will or trust.
Every person’s situation is different. You may be from a traditional family or you could be a part of a blended family – these situations might take different estate planning strategies. The DIY will and trust companies do not adapt to the nuances that make your family unique.
There is no personalized service.
A qualified estate planning attorney will meet with you and go over all the goals that you set for your family. An attorney will help you make very important decisions such as who you will name as executor. An attorney will bring up issues and ask questions that may cause you to choose other people than you originally thought.
No one to turn to when the will or trust is executed.
After you pass away, your executor will take over. The position of executor comes with many responsibilities and there are often questions that arise. Who will he or she turn to when they have questions? They are not likely to get the right answer from the information on a website.
When it comes to creating a will or trust, you really do get what you paid for.
Actually, if done incorrectly, that will or trust may not hold up during probate, in which case it is not even worth what you paid – and it could cause pain and suffering for your loved ones. We would love to chat with you about creating an estate plan for your family. We even offer a planning session so that you can make the decision with absolutely no obligation. Call our office at (281) 218-0880 and schedule one today.
Author Bio
Kim Hegwood
Managing Attorney
Kim Hegwood is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Your Legacy Legal Care®, a Houston-based estate planning and elder law firm she established in 1998. A graduate of South Texas College of Law, Kim was inspired to focus her practice on elder law and estate planning after watching her own grandparents struggle with the challenges of aging. With nearly 30 years of experience, she helps families with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, and asset protection.
Kim is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and her firm has been named Best Trust & Estate Law Firm by the Houston Chronicle. A mother of three, she spends her free time with her children and grandchildren and volunteers with several local charities.
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