Q: How do I make sure my wife gets everything if I die? I want no claims for previous kids

A: Make a Will. Only list your wife as the beneficiary on any insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc.

A: In order for your assets to go to a specific person, you need a valid Texas Will to handle your probate assets, or you need to name that person as the beneficiary on the assets/accounts for non-probate assets.

Failure to do do either of those may give others a right to those assets, or parts of those assets when you die.

Without a valid Texas Will, your probate assets will pass through the laws of intestacy, and the Texas Estates Code will dictate who inherits.

A: The easiest way to make sure everything goes to your wife is to provide for her in a Will that complies with all formalities required in TX. Generally, you need two witnessed that are in your presence when you sign your Will declaring to them its your Will and you are requesting them to witness you signing.

If you have any children who were born to someone other than your wife do note that without a Will state law will provide primarily for your children. With a Will it is important to advise your attorney as to any and all of your children so that they can either be provided for or disinherited by name.

A: Making a Will or a trust with your wife as only person to inherit would be a good start. Then like my colleague say, ensuring that your beneficiary designations are up to date, as well as any POD designations on accounts, and if applicable transfer on death designations on your home and motorvehicles.