WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is about more than preparing documents. It is about making your wishes clear, protecting the people and property that matter to you, and creating a plan that reflects your circumstances and goals.
Maglisceau & Maglisceau, PLLC works with individuals and families across North Texas to develop practical, personalized estate plans.
Every family, property portfolio, business interest, and long-term goal is different. An estate plan should reflect those differences rather than forcing every client into the same predetermined solution.
The process begins by understanding what you own, who and what you want to protect, and how you would like your affairs handled in the future.
Estate planning is not necessarily a one-time event. Changes in your family, finances, property, or goals may make it appropriate to review an existing plan.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Steve Maglisceau brings more than 10 years of experience involving wills and estates together with decades of real-world experience involving real estate and business matters.
Serving Cooke County, Grayson County & North Texas
Maglisceau & Maglisceau, PLLC serves clients in Cooke County, Grayson County, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Do I need an attorney to prepare a will in Texas?
Texas does not require you to hire an attorney to prepare a will, and official forms are available for certain straightforward situations. However, a will must meet Texas legal requirements to be valid. An attorney can help ensure the document is properly prepared and reflects your wishes, particularly when real estate, business interests, blended families, or other complexities are involved.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
When a person dies without a valid will, they are considered to have died “intestate.” Texas law then determines how qualifying property passes to surviving family members. The result depends on factors such as whether there is a surviving spouse, children or other relatives, and whether property is characterized as community or separate property.
When should I update my estate plan?
It is a good idea to review your estate plan after significant life or financial changes. These may include marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, buying or selling significant property, changes in business ownership, the death of a beneficiary or executor, or substantial changes in your finances. Even without a major event, periodically reviewing your plan can help ensure it continues to reflect your circumstances and intentions.
Is a will the same thing as an estate plan?
No. A will is one document that can be part of a broader estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, estate planning may also address powers of attorney, medical or advance-planning documents, beneficiary arrangements, real estate, business interests, and other planning considerations. The appropriate combination depends on the individual and their objectives.
Should business owners have an estate plan?
Estate planning can be particularly important for business owners because personal and business interests may be closely connected. Planning can address what should happen to an ownership interest, who may be involved in future decisions, and how the business fits into the owner’s broader estate. The appropriate strategy will depend on the business structure, ownership arrangements, and the owner’s goals.
Can real estate be addressed as part of estate planning?
Yes. Real estate can be an important part of an estate plan. A plan may consider how property is owned and how the owner intends for that property to be handled in the future. Because real estate ownership and estate planning can intersect in different ways, the appropriate approach depends on the property and the owner’s circumstances.
What should I bring to an estate-planning consultation?
It can be helpful to bring information about your family, significant assets and debts, real estate, business interests, existing wills or estate-planning documents, and any beneficiary arrangements you already have in place. You should also think about the people you may want to make decisions or carry out responsibilities on your behalf. Complete information helps your attorney understand the bigger picture and discuss planning options with you.