Description
What This Document Does
A Simple Will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It allows you to decide who will inherit your property after your death, name an executor to handle your estate, and make the process as smooth as possible for your loved ones.
This version of the Will is designed for straightforward situations (at a reduced cost). You can leave your entire estate to one or two people (such as a spouse or children) or to a class of people (such as “all my children” or “all my grandchildren”). You also have the option to name two levels of backup beneficiaries, in case your first choices pass away before you.
Finally, this Simple Will lets you appoint an Executor—the trusted person who will carry out your wishes—with an alternate in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
What You’ll Need to Complete It
To prepare your Simple Will, you’ll need:
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Your full legal name, date of birth, and address
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The name(s) of your primary beneficiary or beneficiaries (the person, two people, or a class such as “my children”)
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The names of up to two levels of alternate beneficiaries (who would inherit if your primary beneficiary or beneficiaries cannot)
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The name of your chosen executor, plus an alternate executor
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Decisions about who should receive any specific sentimental items (optional—these can also be listed in a separate personal property memorandum)
This streamlined Will keeps things uncomplicated while still protecting your wishes.
How to Make It Official in Texas
To be valid under Texas law, a Will must be:
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Signed by you, AND
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Signed by two credible witnesses who are at least 14 years old and not named as beneficiaries in your Will
A notary is not required to make your Will valid. However, many Texans also sign a self-proving affidavit before a notary at the same time. This extra step makes the probate process much easier for your Executor later.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Dying without a Will in Texas means the state’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your property. That can lead to delays, expenses, and outcomes you never intended.
With a Simple Will, you take control. You ensure your property passes exactly how you want, and you make things easier for the people you love. It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future.