Aretha Franklin’s estate shows that a handwritten will can be legally valid and still leave a family with years of uncertainty. Here’s what Texas families should know about handwritten wills, conflicting instructions, and clear estate planning.
The person you trust most may be the right executor or trustee, but trust isn’t the only qualification. Consider organization, judgment, follow-through, recordkeeping, and the ability to handle family disagreements before making the choice.
Not every Texan needs a living trust. Learn when a revocable living trust may help with probate avoidance, incapacity, out-of-state property, blended families, and beneficiary protection.
A trust company can serve as a professional trustee, manage trust assets, make distributions, keep records, and provide long-term continuity. Learn when a professional trustee may make sense.
A revocable living trust can help Texas families avoid probate, plan for incapacity, protect privacy, and coordinate how property passes. Learn the benefits and when a trust may be worth considering.
A will is an important part of an estate plan, but it does not manage incapacity, control every beneficiary-designated asset, or automatically avoid probate. Learn what else Texas families may need.