General Questions
Q: What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A: A will is a document intended to outline how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. A trust serves the same purpose, but can avoid probate. A will cannot be used in Texas until after it has been probated. For more information, see our Article on Wills vs. Trusts in Texas.
Q: Why should I consider having a will or a trust in Texas?
A: Having a will or a trust can help ensure that your assets are distributed in a manner that reflects your wishes. Without these documents, Texas state laws will determine how your assets are distributed. Wills and trusts can also simplify the process for your loved ones.
Q: Can I create a will or trust online, and will it be recognized in Texas?
A: Our service provides tools to help you create wills and trusts designed to take advantage of unique Texas laws that are not mentioned in our competitors’ documents. Other websites offer documents that are intentionally generic enough to meet the minimum requirements in all 50 states.
Specific to Texas
Q: How does probate work in Texas?
A: Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets under the supervision of a court. If you have a valid will, probate can be straightforward in Texas. Without a will, assets are distributed according to Texas intestacy laws, which may be more complex. The rules for who inherits when there isn’t a will are outlined in Texas Estates Code Section 201.
Q: Are there any special considerations for wills and trusts in Texas?
A: Texas has unique laws regarding community property and homestead rights that affect how assets are distributed. These factors can influence your estate planning, so it’s advisable to consider them carefully. For some detailed examples, see our article on the Importance of Texas-Specific Wills and Trusts.
Q: Can I appoint an executor or trustee who lives outside Texas?
A: Yes, it is possible to appoint an executor or trustee who lives outside Texas.
Creating and Managing Your Will or Trust
Q: What information do I need to create a will or trust online?
A: To create a will or trust using our service, you’ll need to provide details about your beneficiaries and any specific wishes for distribution. You’ll also need to designate an executor for your will or a trustee for your trust. This information helps tailor the documents to your needs.
Q: How do I update my will?
A: Our platform allows you to update your will. We recommend reviewing these documents regularly, especially after significant life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, to ensure they remain aligned with your current wishes.
Q: Is it necessary to notarize or witness my will or trust in Texas?
A: For a will to be valid in Texas, it must be signed by you and witnessed by at least two people who are not beneficiaries. Notarization is necessary to keep your witnesses from attending your probate hearing to testify in person. Our trusts require notarization but not witnesses.
Costs and Services
Q: How much does it cost to create a will or trust through your service?
A: We offer plans from $150-$550. Please visit our shop and select a specific product to see our pricing.
Q: Do you offer any legal advice or consultation?
A: Our service focuses on providing tools to help you create your own estate planning documents. We do not offer legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, we recommend consulting with an attorney experienced in Texas estate planning laws.
Q: What if I’m not satisfied with my will or trust after purchase?
A: Your satisfaction is important to us. If you encounter issues with our service, please contact our support team within 30 days of purchase. We’ll do our best to address your concerns or explore refund options if needed.
Security and Privacy
Q: How do you ensure the security of my personal and financial information?
A: We use industry-standard encryption and secure servers to protect your personal and financial information. Your data is treated with confidentiality and is used solely to help create your will or trust.
Q: Can I access and manage my will or trust after it’s created?
A: Yes, you will be emailed .pdf versions of each document in the plan you purchase, as well as detailed instructions for how to sign them.
Q: How long do you retain my will or trust documents?
A: We retain your documents for as long as you maintain an active account with us.
Support
Q: How can I get help if I have questions about creating my will or trust?
A: Our support team is available to assist you. Visit our contact page for more details on how to get in touch with us. We strive to provide timely and helpful responses to your inquiries.
Q: What if I need to make changes to my account or billing information?
A: You can manage your account and update your billing information through the account settings on our website. If you need further assistance, our support team is here to help.