What Arlington Residents Should Know About Wills

Every Arlington resident should understand the importance of having a properly drafted will, regardless of their age or current wealth. A will is your opportunity to control what happens to your belongings and ensure your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes, rather than leaving these crucial decisions to Texas state law.

For a will to be legally valid in Texas, it must meet specific requirements. The person creating the will must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The will must be signed by the person making it, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. These witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the person creating it.

Texas also recognizes handwritten wills, but these can be more easily challenged and may not address all the complexities of modern families and assets. A professionally drafted will ensures all legal requirements are met and reduces the chance of disputes or invalid provisions that could cause problems for your family later.

Your executor is the person responsible for carrying out your will's instructions after you pass away. Choose someone you trust completely, who is organized and responsible, and who understands your values and wishes. Consider their age, health, location, and ability to handle the responsibilities you're giving them.

It's wise to name a backup executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Your executor doesn't need to live in Texas, but having someone local can make the process easier. Consider whether the person you choose will be emotionally able to handle these duties during a difficult time, or if you should choose someone more detached from family dynamics.

Modern wills should address digital assets like online accounts, digital photos, cryptocurrency, and social media profiles. Texas law allows you to give someone authority to access and manage these digital assets, but you need to specifically include these provisions in your will or other estate planning documents.

Consider creating an inventory of your digital assets and providing instructions for accessing them. This might include email accounts, online banking, investment accounts, cloud storage, and subscription services. Some accounts have their own beneficiary designations that override your will, so review and update these regularly.

Arlington's strong sense of community and family values makes thoughtful will planning especially meaningful for local residents. Many Arlington families prioritize maintaining close relationships and ensuring that family traditions continue across generations. These values often influence how people structure their wills to support both immediate family needs and longer-term family unity.

Arlington residents also tend to be practical about planning, understanding that a well-crafted will can prevent family conflicts and reduce stress during difficult times. The city's diverse population includes families with various cultural backgrounds and traditions, making it important to work with attorneys who understand how to respect and incorporate these differences into effective estate planning documents.

When you're ready to create or update your will in Arlington, the Law Office of Sharon E. Giraud provides personalized will drafting services that reflect your unique family situation and values. We ensure your will meets all Texas legal requirements while clearly expressing your wishes in language your family can understand.

Don't leave your family's future to chance. Contact the Law Office of Sharon E. Giraud at (817) 560-1878 to discuss creating a will that provides the protection and peace of mind you and your loved ones deserve.