Wills & Estate Planning

Planning for the future is one of the most loving things you can do for the people you care about most. At Wayne Bachus & Associates, we look at the creation of a Last Will and Testament not as a morbid task, but as a celebration of your life and a safeguard for your family’s future. Many people put off creating a will because they believe they do not have enough assets to justify one, or simply because life gets busy. However, having a clear plan in place is essential for everyone, regardless of the size of their estate. It is about making sure your voice is heard even when you are no longer there to speak for yourself.

When you come to us to discuss your will, our first priority is to get to know you. We want to hear about your family dynamics, your hopes for your children, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. A will is much more than a legal document that distributes property; it is a tool that prevents confusion and conflict during what will inevitably be a difficult time for your loved ones. Without a will, the state decides how your assets are divided, and those default rules rarely align with what you would have wanted. We help you take control of that narrative, ensuring that your specific wishes are honored down to the last detail.

For parents with minor children, a will is perhaps the most important document you will ever sign. It allows you to name a guardian for your children, ensuring that if the unthinkable happens, they are raised by the people you trust most. Without this designation, the decision is left to a judge who does not know your family or your values. We guide you through these difficult decisions with sensitivity and care, helping you consider factors you might not have thought of on your own. We discuss financial trusteeship to ensure that any inheritance your children receive is managed responsibly until they are old enough to handle it themselves.

Beyond the basics of guardianship and asset distribution, we also help you navigate the nuances of specific bequests. Perhaps you have a family heirloom that holds sentimental value, or you wish to leave a donation to a charity that has meant a lot to you over the years. We ensure that these specific gifts are clearly outlined to avoid any ambiguity. We also discuss the role of the executor, the person you choose to carry out your instructions. Choosing the right executor is crucial, and we help you evaluate who in your life has the organization and temperament to handle the responsibility.

We also understand that families change over time. A will that was perfect for you five years ago might not fit your life today. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets all necessitate a review of your estate plan. We build long-term relationships with our clients so that you feel comfortable coming back to us whenever your life circumstances shift. We make the process of updating your will just as seamless and personal as the initial drafting.

Another critical aspect we cover is the clarity of your intentions to prevent future disputes. Will contests can tear families apart, and they often arise from vague language or perceived unfairness. By working with E. Wayne Bachus, you are ensuring that your will is drafted with legal precision. We ask the right questions to ensure that your mental capacity and freedom from undue influence are well-documented, providing an extra layer of protection against potential challenges. We want your family to gather in memory of your life, not in a courtroom fighting over your intentions.

We strive to make this process as comfortable and reassuring as possible. We know that discussing mortality is not easy, but the relief our clients feel once their plan is in place is palpable. You leave our office knowing that you have done everything in your power to protect your family from unnecessary legal hurdles and state interference. We take the complex language of the law and translate it into a plan that makes sense for you. Your life creates a legacy, and at Wayne Bachus & Associates, we are honored to help you preserve it.