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Wills, Trusts, Guardianships, Probate: Our Killeen Lawyers Are Ready To Help

Planning for the future is something many families in Texas have on their minds. Whether you are just starting out as a married couple or you are thinking about retirement, it is important to consider estate planning as you think about your future goals.

It is never too early or too late to utilize the proper estate planning tools to help secure your financial future as well as that of your children or grandchildren.

Estate planning can also play a very critical role for business entities and business succession planning. This is an area of the law that truly requires experience and knowledge.

At Michalk, Beatty & Alcozer, L.P., our team of estate planning lawyers has extensive experience. We have been helping clients in the Killeen and Temple, Texas, areas achieve their estate planning goals for decades.

Choosing The Right Estate Planning Tools

At our law firm, we seek to customize an estate plan for each and every one of our clients. We are committed to providing catered and personal attention. Each client has different goals and needs.

That is why our estate planning practice is vast and includes all types of services, including:

  • Drafting and revising wills or living wills
  • Selecting the appropriate executor of will
  • Creating trusts or simple trusts
  • Establishing health care directives or powers of attorneys
  • Estate disputes and estate litigation
  • Guardianships and conservatorships

When you come to our law firm, one of our seasoned estate planning attorneys will sit down with you to understand your specific needs and help you create a plan that you are comfortable with and makes sense for your unique goals.

Probate And Will Contests

Probate in Texas law refers to the legal process that takes place after a person’s death, where their estate is administered and distributed. This involves validating the deceased’s will, inventorying their property, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets as the will (or if no will exists, the state’s laws of intestacy) dictates.

In many cases, probate can be a complex process. Having an experienced attorney at your side can help make the process go smoother.

Our law firm handles all types of probate matters, whether it is filing with the probate court or handling a will contest or dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate And Wills

When our clients have questions, we aim to give tailor-made answers. However, here are a few basics that everybody should know.

What is probate and why is it necessary?

Probate is the legal process of validating a person’s will and managing the distribution of their estate after death. It ensures the proper transfer of the testator’s assets, settles their debts and addresses any challenges or disputes. Once probate is finished, the estate is considered “closed.”

In which scenarios is probate required for an estate in Texas?

Probate is necessary in Texas when a person dies with or without a will. With a will, it ensures assets are distributed as per the deceased’s wishes; without a will, it follows state intestacy laws. There are estate planning strategies, however, that can bypass probate.

What constitutes a valid will in Texas?

A valid will in Texas must generally be in writing, signed by the testator (maker of the will), and witnessed by at least two credible individuals 14 years of age or over who were present during the signing.

What are the key elements a will should contain according to Texas law?

A valid will in Texas should include an unambiguous statement that it is intended to serve as the testator’s Final Will and Testament. It must also contain clear instructions about how the testator wishes their assets to be divided and designate an executor to oversee the distribution of those assets.

How can a probate attorney assist during the administration of a decedent’s estate?

Estate administration involves a lot of steps. A probate attorney can assist an executor by preparing legal documents, navigating all the legal requirements of probate, guiding the asset distribution and addressing challenges or disputes that may arise during the process.

How can a probate dispute be handled or avoided?

It is always better to avoid probate disputes when possible. Clear estate plans created with the aid of an experienced attorney can minimize the chances of a dispute or a successful challenge to your will. However, if a dispute arises, our Killeen or Temple attorneys know how to address it efficiently.

Talk To A Killeen Estate Planning Lawyer About Your Needs

To schedule an appointment to discuss your estate planning matter, please contact us at 254-727-7235 .

We are happy to schedule consultations to meet your convenience. Our firm is located in Killeen, and we handle cases throughout Texas.

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