[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0077B9″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||3px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_color=”#04035E” custom_padding=”0|0px|0px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0|0px|0px|0px” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/houston-webs.com\/bacarisse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_293654537-2048×1354-1.jpg” title_text=”shutterstock_293654537-2048×1354″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”padding: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_font=”||on||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A last will & testament is a crucial legal document that clearly outlines how a person wants their financial assets and personal property to be distributed after they pass away. Having a properly drafted and executed will is one of the most important estate planning steps an individual can take to provide for their loved ones and exercise control over their legacy.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0077B9″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||3px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
A last will & testament is a crucial legal document that clearly outlines how a person wants their financial assets and personal property to be distributed after they pass away. Having a properly drafted and executed will is one of the most important estate planning steps an individual can take to provide for their loved ones and exercise control over their legacy.<\/p>\n
A comprehensive last will & testament allows you to decide exactly who inherits your real estate, financial accounts, personal possessions, and other assets when you die. It also designates trusted individuals to carry out your wishes by naming an executor, guardians for minor children, and trustees to manage any trusts you establish. Careful planning through your will also enables minimizing taxes owed on large estates, avoiding family disputes, and preventing assets from going to unintended beneficiaries under state intestacy laws.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/houston-webs.com\/bacarisse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shutterstock_704923213-2048×1365-1.jpg” alt=”Consulting a Lawyer for Free” title_text=”Consulting a Lawyer for Free” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
By investing the time and effort into creating a customized will with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney, you can gain peace of mind knowing your final wishes will be honored and those you care about will be provided for as you intended.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||13px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
There are several important reasons why having a legally valid will is critical:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”40px” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” ul_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||11px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]Without a will, the state\u2019s intestacy laws will dictate who the legal heirs are and how assets are distributed, which may not match the decedent\u2019s wishes.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||13px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
For a will to be considered legally valid and enforceable under Texas probate law, certain requirements must be met:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”40px” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” ul_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||11px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
It is important to note that Texas allows for holographic wills (handwritten wills) to be valid, albeit they follow specific guidelines only applicable to them that helps ensure their validity.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||13px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n Wills can be used to create trusts that take effect after the testator\u2019s death, called testamentary trusts. These customized trusts allow additional control over how assets are managed and distributed, such as:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”40px” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” ul_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||11px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n It is important to note that Texas allows for holographic wills (handwritten wills) to be valid, albeit they follow specific guidelines only applicable to them that helps ensure their validity.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A testamentary trust is established within a will and places assets in a trust at the time of death. A testamentary trust is not established until after the person passes away in which the executor or executrix settles the estate as outlined in the will.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A living revocable trust places assets in a trust during the lifetime of the creator of the trust. A living revocable trust is beneficial if you own out of state property, to avoid the necessity of an ancillary probate in another state. A living revocable trust may assist you in avoiding probate, however, a “pourover will” is suggested as an accompanying estate planning document with a liviing revocable trust. Living revocable trusts are also management vehicles and beneficial to manage assets if you have disagreeable or fighting beneficiaries.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have a family member with special needs, the firm may create a special needs trust, which may enable the beneficiary to receive additional assistance and still qualify for government benefits. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A Miller Trust receives a portion of your income to enable you to qualify for Medicaid benefits to pay for long term care.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A statutory durable power of attorney names an agent to handle financial and business matters on your behalf.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A medical power of attorney names an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when and if you are unable to do so. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Health Insurance Portablility and Accountability Act of 1996 set out privacy rule standards for the use and disclosure of individual protected health information. This release can release your family or chosen agents to have access to your medical records and health information. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This statutory form will make your wishes known to your family and treating physician in the event you are in an irreversible or terminal medical condidition. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This document enables you to name a guardian in advance of incapacity, if an appointment of guardian on your behalf becomes necessary in the event of later incapacity. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This document appoints a guardian for minor children in the event parents die while they have minor children. This appointment can also be made in your last will and testament.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Creation of an ILIT is a common estate planning tool in which the trust is both the owner and beneficiary of life insurance proceeds in order to avoid having the death benefit subject to federal estate tax. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”34px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At Bacarisse Law, we pride ourselves on offering outstanding, individualized legal service in all aspects of estate planning and probate administration. Our law firm is dedicated to being responsive and committed to help you achieve the goals and results you want and need.<\/p>\nTrusts Created Under a Will<\/h2>\n
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Testamentary Trust<\/h3>\n
Living Revocable Trust<\/h3>\n
Special Needs Trust<\/h3>\n
Miller Trust<\/h3>\n
Durable Powers of Attorney <\/h3>\n
Medical Powers of Attorney<\/h3>\n
HIPAA Releases<\/h3>\n
Directives to Physicians<\/h3>\n
Designations of Guardian<\/h3>\n
Appointment of guardian for minor children<\/h3>\n
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILIT)<\/h3>\n
Put our knowledge of Texas Probate to work for you<\/h2>\n