The Woodlands Lawyer

Having a will in Texas is one of the most important things you need to take care of right away, if only for the sake of your loved ones. People who die without wills have their belongings, money, and all other interests placed into the hands of people they may not know, trust, or would otherwise not want handling their affairs.

Face it: Once you are gone, what’s left is what you leave behind, and if you don’t specify who gets what, your belongings are likely to be split up in ways you never imagined and would never want. People you don’t like or who have harmed you in the past may end up with your money and sentimental belongings.

In addition, your after-death arrangements may be handled in ways you would not like. For example, you may have a cemetery in mind that you would like to be buried in. However, if you don’t purchase a plot in this cemetery, set aside money for its purchase, or specify in writing (in your will) that this is where you would like to be buried, there is no guarantee that you will be buried in this cemetery. In fact, unscrupulous persons who control your after-death decisions may choose to cremate you simply because it is cheaper than a burial. Funerals can also be canceled or simply not arranged by family members who do not want to pay for one.

If you don’t handle your after-death decisions now, someone else will handle them later. Talk to Smith & Garg, experienced will and estate planning attorneys in Houston, Texas about putting your wishes in writing.