When planning your legacy, boerne wills and trusts offer a focused, practical path to protect your wishes and support the people you love. Starting early gives you control, reduces stress for your family, and helps prevent costly disputes. In Boerne and across Texas, a clear plan can make the difference between a smooth transfer and months of confusion.
A will states who gets your assets, who manages your estate, and who will care for minor children. It can also include personal gifts and charitable bequests. Without a will, Texas intestacy laws decide distribution, which may not align with your preferences. A thoughtfully drafted will names an executor, addresses debts and taxes, and provides instructions that make probate more efficient and less emotional.
A revocable living trust can hold your assets during life and distribute them after death without court supervision, often speeding up timelines and keeping details private. Trusts are flexible: you can update terms, add or remove assets, and set conditions for distributions. They can coordinate with your will through a “pour‑over” clause so anything outside the trust at death is transferred into it and handled by your chosen trustee.
For many families, a will paired with core documents—durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, HIPAA release, and an advance directive—covers most needs. If you want privacy, blended‑family protections, or staged distributions for young beneficiaries, a revocable trust is often a strong fit. Business owners and property investors may benefit from trusts to centralize management and avoid multi‑state probate.
A trust only works when it is funded. That means retitling accounts and property into the trust’s name, and updating beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts to coordinate with your plan. Keep a simple asset list, store originals securely, and tell your executor or trustee where documents are located. Review your plan after life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or a major purchase.
Real property, ranch interests, and family businesses are common in the Hill Country. Title clarity and coordination with LLCs or partnerships are crucial. Also consider property tax exemptions, mineral interests, and water rights. A local approach helps ensure every asset is properly addressed and that your plan reflects Texas‑specific rules and timelines.
Clarify your goals, list your assets and accounts, choose trusted decision‑makers, and outline how and when you want distributions to occur. With that foundation, your attorney can translate your wishes into clear, enforceable documents that spare your family uncertainty and help preserve what you have built.