Planning for the future (yours and your family’s) isn’t always easy to think about. It’s understandable to want to procrastinate planning for illness, incapacity, or even death. But putting off those decisions can leave a huge mess behind for your loved ones, legally and emotionally.
A will gives you the full power over deciding how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if you become unable to, and how your final wishes will be honored. Working with an experienced wills attorney, like the ones here at Cleverly Law, ensures your plan is not only legally sound but also aligned with your values and priorities.
Without a will, your estate will be distributed under Texas intestacy laws, which are the laws that determine how a person’s assets are distributed when they die without a valid will.
That also means the state decides who inherits your property, often in ways you might not have intended. For example, if you are married with children from a prior relationship, Texas law divides property in a way that may create problems within your family or unintended outcomes.
Having a will allows you to:
We’ve heard them many times, and figured we’d just clear them up here:
By working with us, you can set the record straight, avoid common mistakes, and take action smoothly.
Drafting a will doesn’t have to be complicated. At Cleverly Law, we take you through each step so you feel 100% supported. The process usually includes:
Initial Consultation – We’ll sit down with you to discuss your goals, family dynamics, and assets. This helps us understand your specific needs and priorities.
Decision-Making – With you, we’ll determine beneficiaries, guardians for children (if applicable), and an executor who will carry out your wishes. We are there to make sure every choice is clear as day.
Drafting the Will – We prepare your completely customized document that complies with Texas law and reflects your wishes precisely.
Review and Signing – You’ll review the draft to your liking, and once satisfied, we’ll guide you through signing it with the proper witnesses so your will is fully valid.
After these steps, your will is legally binding and ready to provide for your family when the time comes.
Life rarely ever stays the same, and your will should reflect that. Major events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or big changes in assets all call for a review of your estate plan. We can update your documents to reflect your current wishes and circumstances, ensuring your plan remains relevant and effective over time.
Estate planning laws are statewide, but working with a local team offers some specific advantages. We know the Weatherford and Parker County courts, understand local filing requirements, and can anticipate potential issues before they arise.
Working with us also means having a team nearby when you need updates, answers to questions, or additional planning tools such as powers of attorney or advance healthcare directives. Having local expertise combined with personalized attention ensures your plan works for your family in real life, not just on paper.
While wills are the foundation of estate planning, they’re often the starting step on the staircase. Depending on your situation, additional tools can be recommended, including:
We help you decide which tools make sense for your goals and ensure they all work together as part of a complete estate plan.
Thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, but creating a will is one of the most thoughtful decisions you can make for your family. By working with us here at Cleverly Law, you can ensure your wishes are respected, your family is protected, and your estate is handled smoothly.
The best time to start estate planning is now. While it’s easy to think of estate planning as something for older adults, the truth is that anyone over 18 can benefit from having basic documents in place. Life is unpredictable, and having an estate plan gives you control over what happens to your assets and loved ones, regardless of what the future holds.
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 1-3 years or after any major life event such as:
If you die without a will in Texas, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. This means the court decides who gets your assets, who will raise your children and who will control the distribution of your assets – all of which may not align with your wishes. Moreover, the probate process can be longer and more expensive without a will, potentially reducing the value of your estate.