Question

  03/27/12, 3:03 pm
I live in Texas. I would like to create my own Will for free. How do I go about doing thsi
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United States   |   Texas  |  Wills Law
Cost: Free

Answer

Nancy Lorenzen Says:

May 18,2012 11:54 AM

In Texas, as long as your will is entirely in your own handwriting you do not need a witness or a notary in order for it to be a good will and able to be filed in probate court when you die. You can also have it witnessed by other people if you want to or have it notarized, but again, what's necessary is that it be entirely in your own handwriting. It would help if the people you expect will be probating it can recognize your handwriting and if they could testify in court when the time comes that that is in fact your handwriting and your will. If that doesn't answer your question, I'd suggest reading the Probate Code regarding what needs to be in a will and how to execute it when you're done so it's legal: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PB/htm/PB.IV.htm#00.

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Nancy Lorenzen
Lorenzen Law Office
701 N. Central Expressway Building 3 Suite 100,Richardson, TX 75080
214-466-8527
http://www.lorenzenlawoffice.com

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Answer

Sarahjane "SJ" Davidson Swanson Says:

Apr 04,2012 8:25 PM

You could write it out entirely in your own handwriting (a holographic will) - BUT, the much better course is to hire a lawyer to prepare your Will so that it does contain all the legal requirements and will stand up to challenges and be easy to administer after you're gone by your executor - that's part of the point of having a will, right? So that you make it easier - not harder - for the people you want to administer your estate and to receive benefits under the Will.


Sarahjane "SJ" Davidson Swanson
Swanson Law Firm, PLLC
5151 San Felipe St Ste 1950,Houston, TX 77056
713-881-9742
http://www.swansonpllc.com

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