Wills and Trusts Lawyer in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas

Thinking about what happens after you’re gone is never easy. But taking the time to plan now can spare your loved ones confusion, stress, and emotional turmoil later. 

At the Law Office of Frederick K. Wilson II, I understand how personal and emotional this process can be. Whether you're trying to provide for your children, pass down property, or protect your legacy, you're not alone—and you don't have to figure it out on your own. At the Law Office of Frederick K. Wilson II, I’m here to help you make informed, confident decisions.

I serve clients in Houston, Texas, and throughout the Houston metro area, including Sugar Land and Missouri City. If you’re looking for a wills and trusts lawyer who will listen to your goals and help you prepare with care and clarity, I’m ready to work with you. 

Let’s take the next step together. Reach out to schedule a consultation and begin protecting what matters most.

The Difference Between Wills and Trusts

Wills and trusts are two of the most common tools in estate planning, and they often work best when used together. They serve different purposes, and choosing the right combination depends on your goals, your family, and the kind of legacy you want to leave behind.

A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your passing. It also enables you to appoint guardians for your minor children. 

A trust is a legal arrangement that lets you transfer property to a trustee (a third party) to manage on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts can go into effect while you’re still alive, and they can help your family avoid probate.

When you work with my firm, I'll walk you through your options so we can, together, create a plan that reflects your wishes, avoids court involvement, and protects the people you love.

Key Benefits of Having a Will

Having a valid will in place gives you control over what happens after your passing. Without one, the State of Texas decides how your property is distributed—and that may not reflect your wishes.

Benefits of having a will include:

• Naming guardians for your children: Choose who you trust to care for your minor children.

• Distributing property how you want: Decide who inherits your home, savings, or personal items.

• Making gifts or donations: Leave behind specific items or gifts to individuals or organizations.

• Avoiding family conflict: Clear instructions help reduce confusion and arguments.

• Appointing an executor: Choose someone you trust to carry out your wishes.

Creating a will doesn’t have to be difficult. I’ll help you draft a clear, valid document that reflects your values and leaves no room for misunderstanding.

What Do Trusts Do in Estate Planning?

Trusts are powerful tools that allow you to manage your assets now and after you’re gone. Unlike a will, a trust can go into effect during your lifetime, and it can help avoid the public, time-consuming probate process.

Reasons to use a trust include:

• Avoiding probate: Assets in a trust pass directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement.

• Planning for incapacity: A trust lets someone manage your assets if you can’t.

• Protecting privacy: Trusts aren't public documents like wills.

• Supporting loved ones: You can control how and when beneficiaries receive funds.

• Caring for special needs: A special needs trust provides support without affecting government benefits.

Not every client needs a trust, but if your goal is to keep things private, avoid delays, or provide long-term support, a trust may be the right fit. I’ll help you decide if it makes sense for your situation.

Choosing the Right Type of Trust

There are many types of trusts, each serving a specific purpose. I’ll explain your options and help you choose the one that works best for your needs.

Common types of trusts I work with include:

• Revocable living trust: Gives you control during your lifetime and can be changed or revoked.

• Irrevocable trust: Offers tax benefits and asset protection but can't be easily changed.

• Testamentary trust: Created through your will and only takes effect after your death.

• Special needs trust: Supports a loved one with disabilities without affecting public assistance.

• Spendthrift trust: Protects beneficiaries from mismanaging funds or from creditors.

You don’t need to be wealthy to benefit from a trust. If you have children, property, or loved ones you want to protect, a trust may help accomplish your goals in a more efficient and private way than a will alone.

Why You Need More Than Just a Will

While many believe a simple will is sufficient, it often leaves critical gaps. For instance, a will doesn’t address what happens if you become incapacitated or help avoid probate. That’s why I often recommend combining wills and trusts to create a more comprehensive and effective estate plan.

Problems that a will alone may not address:

• Probate court delays and fees

• No protection during incapacity

• No privacy—wills become public record

• No control over when heirs receive assets

• Limited support for special needs or minor children

I’ll help you create a plan that not only reflects your wishes but also protects your family from avoidable problems. It’s about more than just documents—it’s about creating peace of mind.

Keeping Your Will and Trust Up to Date

Your life isn’t static, and your estate plan shouldn’t be either. I recommend reviewing your will and any trusts every few years or whenever a significant life event happens.

Life changes that may require updates:

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child

• Buying or selling property

• Changes in financial status

• Moving to or from Texas

• Death of a named executor or trustee

When you work with me, I’ll be here not just to create your documents but also to help you keep them relevant as your life evolves. I offer ongoing support and updates as needed, so your plan always works the way you want it to.

Common Misunderstandings About Wills and Trusts

I often meet people who delay this process because of misconceptions or confusion. Clearing up those misunderstandings can make it easier to take action and protect what matters most.

What I hear most often from clients:

• “I don’t have enough assets to need a trust.” Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—they offer benefits to many families.

• “I already have a will, so I’m covered.” A will is just one piece of the puzzle.

• “Trusts are too expensive.” The cost of probate or disputes is often far greater.

• “It’s too early to plan.” It’s never too early. Planning now means fewer burdens later.

• “I can use an online form.” Pre-made forms often don’t meet Texas legal requirements or reflect your actual wishes.

I explain everything in plain language so you can make choices confidently. No pressure—just guidance based on what’s right for you.