Wills

Wills Attorney in Tyler, TX

Legally Sound Wills for Individuals, Families, & Business Owners

For property owners, business owners, and anyone with people who depend on them, a will may be one of the most important legal documents they’ll ever sign. FC Law, PLLC drafts and executes wills for individuals and families across Tyler, Texas, with Michael D. Franks handling every matter from the first conversation through signing. There are no handoffs to staff or junior associates.

The process is largely remote, so you can handle most of it without taking time off work or rearranging your schedule. In-person attendance is required only for notarization. A 15-minute free consultation is available to get started, and we work with Spanish-speaking clients. Se habla español.

If you’re creating or revising a will in Tyler, we’re here to help. Contact us online to discuss your situation with our wills attorney. Se habla español.

What a Will Does

A will is a legal document that directs how your property and assets are distributed after your death. It can designate beneficiaries, name an executor to carry out its terms, and appoint guardians for minor children. For property owners and business owners, a will addresses what happens to those specific assets, not just personal belongings.

To be enforceable, a will must meet Texas statutory requirements. A document that fails those requirements may be disregarded by the court, which is why working with an attorney who reviews your actual situation matters. We help clients draft wills that are clearly written, legally compliant, and aligned with their real intentions.

Types of Wills Recognized in Texas

Texas recognizes two forms of valid wills, each with different requirements and practical tradeoffs.

Attested wills (formal wills) are typed or printed documents signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who also sign. They can be updated or revoked at any time while the testator has legal capacity and are the standard form for most clients.
Holographic wills (handwritten wills) are entirely handwritten and signed by the testator without witnesses. They’re valid in Texas, but they’re more likely to face challenges during probate. Careful drafting with attorney guidance is advisable even for this simpler form.

We review each client’s situation and recommend the appropriate path based on their goals and circumstances.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Texas?

Without a valid will, Texas intestacy laws determine who inherits your property. That outcome may not reflect your wishes and can exclude people who matter to you, including domestic partners, close friends, or charitable organizations. Dying intestate can also trigger delays, added costs, and disputes among family members during an already difficult time.

We help clients create a legally sound will that reflects their preferences and can simplify the transfer of their estate, reducing the risk of those outcomes for the people they leave behind.

Who Can Legally Create a Will in Texas?

Any individual 18 or older who is of sound mind may create a will in Texas. State law also allows minors who are married or serving in the armed forces to execute a valid will. Testamentary capacity, the legal term for mental eligibility to make a will, requires that the testator understand the nature of making a will, the extent of their property, and the natural beneficiaries of their estate. We guide clients through these requirements and provide honest counsel at each stage of the process.

Who Benefits Most from Having a Will

A will isn’t reserved for the elderly or the wealthy. Anyone who owns property, has minor children, runs a business, or wants assets directed to a specific person or organization has good reason to put one in place. Without a will, a court determines guardianship of minor children, and the distribution of your estate follows a statutory formula that may bear little resemblance to your intentions.

For homeowners, investors, and business owners, the stakes are higher. Michael D. Franks is a licensed Texas Attorney, Architect (AIA), and Real Estate Broker who has founded multiple companies. That background gives him direct experience with the property and business ownership issues that make a will especially important for those clients. We draft wills aligned to each client’s specific circumstances, including real estate holdings, business interests, and succession considerations.

Revising or Updating an Existing Will

A will can be updated or revoked at any time while you have legal capacity. Life events that commonly warrant a review include marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family, and significant changes in assets or business interests. Changes can be made through a codicil, which amends specific sections of the existing document, or by executing an entirely new will. We review existing wills, walk through revision options, and help clients keep their documents current as their circumstances change.

Oral Wills Under Texas Law

Oral wills, also called nuncupative wills, aren’t recognized under current Texas law. Prior to September 1, 2007, they were valid only under narrow conditions. As of that date, they are legally invalid. We can advise on recognized alternatives and help you establish a documented plan that accurately reflects your intentions.

Why Tyler Clients Work with FC Law, PLLC

Michael D. Franks holds master’s degrees in Architecture, Business, and Finance from Texas Tech University and a J.D. from UNT Dallas College of Law. He is a licensed Texas Attorney, Architect (AIA), and Real Estate Broker, and has founded multiple companies. That background shapes how he approaches will drafting for clients with real assets and real stakes.

You work directly with Michael from consultation through signing, with no handoffs to staff. Pricing is competitive and transparent. The process is largely remote, with in-person attendance required only for notarization. The approach is laid-back but thorough, designed to make complex planning feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

FC Law, PLLC’s Monthly Wills Clinic

For Tyler residents who can’t take time off during the week, we hold a Wills Clinic on the last Saturday of every month. The clinic prepares a Last Will and Testament and includes a proper signing ceremony, with a notary and witnesses provided by our firm.

Pricing is $500 for an individual and $750 for a couple (some limitations apply). Spots are limited to ensure each client gets personalized attention. Contact our office in advance to confirm the clinic is the right fit and to reserve your spot.

Start with a Free Consultation

Whether you’re drafting your first will or revisiting one that no longer reflects your life, we’re ready to help. Our firm offers a 15-minute free consultation for individuals and families in the Tyler, TX area.

Call (903) 226-7232 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Tyler will lawyer. Se habla español.

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