A professional trustee and executor recently addressed the issue of online wills in Forbes. She notes that although using an online standardized fill-in-the blank will may appear to save you money and time; however, using this type of service may lead to expensive and unpleasant mistakes. Unfortunately, your loved ones will experience the ramifications of these mistakes in probate court after you are gone. These mistakes are often costly and exhaust the value of the estate. Problems with Online Wills Many online estate planning services appear to have a low price … [Read more...]
Do I Need a Living Will?
A living will is a document you prepare that informs your family and health care professionals, in writing, what medical treatment you want to have under certain circumstances. At Springer & Lyle, our estate planning attorneys can assist you in preparing this document. Why You Need a Living Will If you become unable for any reason, whether from an illness or an accident, to make your own health care decisions, your living will gives instructions to medical professionals of how you want your health care to be managed. This is different than a durable power of … [Read more...]
Making a Will During Coronavirus
With a worldwide pandemic, it’s only natural to think about the need for a will and other estate planning documents. School, work, shopping, and many other activities have gone virtual, so why not download a form and make a will? Many online templates do not comply with state laws, and the will may not be valid. At Springer & Lyle, we can manage your estate planning needs virtually and can ensure that your hard-earned estate will pass according to your wishes. What About Witnesses? According to Texas law, unless written entirely in the Testator’s handwriting, a will must … [Read more...]
