Wills

A will — also called a Last Will and Testament — is a personal plan for the future. It allows you to name who is in charge of your property after you die, protect your assets, provide for your family, decide who will inherit your estate, and specify how your property will be distributed. There's a lot to think about. You probably have a million questions, and you will certainly think of many more when we talk about your plans.

Based in Houston, McCreary Law Office works with Texas clients to draft or update wills as a part of a comprehensive estate plan. The office also offers many online estate planning services.

Why Work with an Attorney to Write Your Will

As an estate planning attorney, Jana McCreary views a large part of her job as to understanding what's important to you and creating a plan that accomplishes your goals and distributes your property to whom you want — whether that be dependents, heirs, relatives, or friends — in a fair and legally sound manner. Jana focuses on addressing your concerns so together you can create a will and update existing documents to reflect changes in your personal circumstances and in rapidly evolving tax laws.

Each step of the estate planning process is highly individualized. Your family isn't like anyone else's, and a will is not a one-size-fits-all product. It should be tailored to your unique situation. Generally, a will is just one piece of the estate plan puzzle. In addition to a will, your estate plan might be accompanied by a trust that protects your assets, a durable power of attorney, and documents that dictate how your expenses and assets will be handled if you are incapacitated. These documents will also outline who will care for your children if you are unable.

Creating a Last Will and Testament in Texas: How the Process Works

Creating a will is a complex process that involves many sensitive and distinct considerations. Jana's personal goal is to help you make sense of everything and to ensure that each step is clear and easy to understand. Demystifying the process is the best way to take the worry and stress out of estate planning.

If you're ready to create a will or need to update existing documents, the first thing to do is to consult with an attorney to discuss your goals for providing for family members, distributing assets, and making choices about health care and potential medical expenses.

In working with McCreary Law Office, after the objectives of your will are clearly established, we will work together to consider the options that are available to you and select the best ones for your situation. During this process, Jana will explain each option along with benefits, drawbacks, and possible issues regarding conflicts, tax burdens, and any concerns that you may have.

Finalizing the Will

After we have developed the best strategy to achieve your goals, Jana will begin drafting the will and estate plan. The final step is to sign the documents that will make your estate plan official. After the papers are signed, you will receive the original, and McCreary Law Office will keep electronic copies.

FAQs About Wills