Comprehensive Estate Administration Services in Dallas

Top Benefits of Creating a Will in Dallas

Rather than leaving your property to chance, an up-to-date last will and testament:

• Allows you to decide who inherits your possessions and property
• Allows you to identify who receives particular items in your estate
• Allows you to select the person who oversees your estate after your death
• Allows you to develop a plan to reduce tax consequences for your heirs after your death
• Saves your estate the unnecessary expense and complications of a court-administered probate

Probate Process Explained for Dallas Residents

Probate is the legal process of presenting the written wishes of a person who has died to a court for filing as the "last will and testament." Probate also refers to the method by which an estate is administered and processed after one's death, even when there is no will.

Probate gives an executor or an administrator the authority to transfer and distribute the deceased's estate in an orderly and supervised manner. The probate process includes naming the executor or administrator for the estate, identifying the heirs, notifying the creditors, creating an inventory of the estate, paying debts, distributing and transferring the deceased's property to the heirs, and closing the estate.

A deceased's estate can be complicated by any number of factors, such as:

• A claim of common law marriage
• A child born outside of marriage
• An improperly written will
• A marriage after a will was written or a will that fails to dispose of all of an estate

Different Types of Wills for Your Estate Planning Needs

• Simple wills - these are the most common types of wills and are needed to distribute simple assets from the estate to the beneficiaries. These wills are called "simple" because they deal with assets that are uncomplicated. They must be in writing and should be typed instead of handwritten.
• Testamentary Trust Wills - these wills differ because they include provisions that place a fraction of your estate into a trust. Based on the terms, the assets are dispersed to their beneficiaries through a trustee who controls the account.
• Joint Wills - These are commonly utilized for spouses who wish to leave property to one another after one of them is deceased. A joint will may not be revoked once one of the testators passes away.
• Living Wills - the purpose of a living will is to provide instruction on how they want to be treated medically. For example, they will decided whether or not they wish to be on life support, or even what types of medications they refuse to take.

Common Reasons a Will Could Be Considered Invalid

There are several errors that can be made to make a will invalid:

• The will was not attested by at least two witnesses.
• The will was not signed by the testator. The testator is the person who is creating the will, thus it must be signed by them. In some cases, a thumb print may be sufficient.
• The will was created by forgery, fraud, or coercion
• The testator created the will out of unsound mind
• The testator was under the age of 18 or forgot to include the date of creation

Why Choose The Branch Law Firm for Your Elder Law Needs?

At The Branch Law Firm, we understand that navigating the complexities of elder law can be daunting. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expertise in Elder Law: Our attorneys specialize in elder law, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable advice and strategies that are up-to-date with the latest legal developments.
• Personalized Approach: We take the time to understand your specific needs and goals, crafting a customized plan that aligns with your family’s values and wishes.
• Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed at every step of the process. You can expect clear explanations and prompt responses to your questions.
• Community Trust: As a respected law firm in Rockwall, TX, we have built a reputation for integrity and excellence within our community. Our clients trust us to handle their most sensitive legal matters.
• Comprehensive Support: From estate planning to probate and everything in between, we offer a full range of services to meet all your elder law needs under one roof.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Let us help you secure peace of mind with our expert elder law services.