Who do I need to contact for will, property etc disbursement?

[ezbtr]

If I kick the bucket, can I just write something down? Not sick, just want to know.
Thanks

 

[GA_Boater]

Lawyer if you want it legal with no questions. Even though you're in Texas now, it ain't the Wild West anymore.

 

[bruceb58]

You can do your own will. Many places online to do that. I have a trust. I recommend going to a trust attorney especially if you have a lot of assets. Keeps your estate out of probate when the time comes.

You can even do a trust online
https://www.legalzoom.com/sem/ep/li...BIwXJCy5lZyu729U5raPmhG275A14eaIaAsyEEALw_wcB

 

[Sprig]

A holographic will also known as a hand written will is legal and acceptable in about half of the states. Someone mentioned you are in Texas. A holographic will is legal in Texas. The main requirement is that the entire document must be hand written by you and signed by you. You do not need a witness for a holographic will in Texas. In any event this is something should consult with an attorney. Your hand written will can create more problems than it resolves. If you are terminally ill then go ahead and write your will. If not please consult an attorney.

 

[bigdee]

Depends on how many heirs you have. If your spouse is living it automatically goes to her first then to children to dived equally when spouse passes. A hand written will is fine unless your heirs contest it or fight each other over it. I only have 2 children so they can fight each other or be sensible....I don't care!

 

[harringtondav]

Same thoughts as many above. Get it written. In IA attorneys charge $200-$250/hr. Unless you've got a lot of complications, the will will cost you an hour. ...they use boiler plate programs. Just state who gets what. And an attorney's will hold up in court. Beneficiaries may contest, at their own lawyer costs.

To avoid probate one method is to have the attorney establish a revocable living trust (RLT) mentioned above. This is another lawyer fee, but depending on the extent of your assets, the extra up front attorney fee may pay off after you die. No court costs that tend to be based on estate value. Smaller attorney fees for the long probate process. ...I've been through two probates, and the lawyers tend to drag their heels, and keep the meter running.

A decent summary of RLT vs. probate wills is below. Dig deeper before you decide.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/revocable-living-trusts.html

 

[ezbtr]

You can do your own will. Many places online to do that. I have a trust. I recommend going to a trust attorney especially if you have a lot of assets. Keeps your estate out of probate when the time comes.

You can even do a trust online
https://www.legalzoom.com/sem/ep/li...BIwXJCy5lZyu729U5raPmhG275A14eaIaAsyEEALw_wcB

I did exactly that maybe 10 years ago, no idea where the paperwork is and now have a lot more assets

 

[ezbtr]

Depends on how many heirs you have. If your spouse is living it automatically goes to her first then to children to dived equally when spouse passes. A hand written will is fine unless your heirs contest it or fight each other over it. I only have 2 children so they can fight each other or be sensible....I don't care!

Thanks!

 

[bruceb58]

I did exactly that maybe 10 years ago, no idea where the paperwork is and now have a lot more assets

You can add assets to your trust. When you bought your recent house, did you put it in the trust?

Most people put their trust in a safe deposit box or a safe. The trust attorney you used probably has an electronic or paper copy if it was done only 10 years ago

 

[bruceb58]

Depends on how many heirs you have. If your spouse is living it automatically goes to her first then to children to dived equally when spouse passes. A hand written will is fine unless your heirs contest it or fight each other over it. I only have 2 children so they can fight each other or be sensible....I don't care!

That all depends on when the property was acquired. My wife and I have two separate trusts. A lot of her estate goes to her nephews and nieces when she dies and my real estate goes to my brother and sister. I live in a community property state like Texas is.

A trust keeps the estate out of probate which you want to avoid.