Estate Planning Attorney

Today, finding free Estate Planning guides online is easier than ever. You might be tempted to skip the cost and effort of hiring an estate planning lawyer, just print a few forms, and you're all set, right?

Wrong. While it seems simple, handling the complexities of estate planning on your own can lead to costly mistakes. Without expert guidance, you could risk losing assets in probate, paying more in taxes than necessary, or even finding that your DIY Will isn’t valid when the time comes. More often than not, going it alone isn’t the best choice.

An Estate Planning Attorney can help you create a personalized, legally sound estate plan that fits your unique needs and goals. Let us guide you through the process, so you know everything is taken care of giving you peace of mind.

Texas Estate Planning Services

Wills – A Will is one of the most important documents in your estate planning strategy. With your Will, you can designate your beneficiaries, choose a guardian for your minor children, prevent certain individuals from receiving assets, and appoint an executor to manage your estate.

Trusts – If you're looking to protect your assets and help your heirs avoid the probate process, our estate planning attorneys can set up a trust tailored to your needs.

Power of Attorney – Designating someone to act on your behalf for financial, healthcare, and legal matters is crucial in case of an emergency. Your power of attorney designee can make healthcare decisions, manage your finances, pay bills, sell property, and even file taxes.

Drafting a Will, Physician’s Directive, Living Will, or Powers of Attorney doesn’t have to be as time-consuming or costly as you might think. Taking these steps now can protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

Health care considerations:

Would you want to be kept on life support if machines were the only thing keeping you alive?
If you were unable to make medical decisions for yourself, wouldn’t it bring peace of mind to know that someone who cares for you has been designated to make those decisions in your best interest?

Minor children:

If something happened to you and your spouse, who would care for them? A Will or a Guardianship Declaration allows you to name their legal guardian and appoint someone to manage the minor child's finances and day to day needs.
If you're divorced, you can specify someone other than your ex-spouse to oversee your children’s trust and inheritance until they reach an age you choose.

Your assets:

Assets include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, brokerage accounts, or anything with a title or deed.
Without a Last Will and Testament, these assets will need to go through probate, potentially causing unnecessary stress for your loved ones. A Will ensures they can obtain the necessary “Letters Testamentary” to transfer titles, deeds, and accounts from your name to your selected beneficiary.

Being proactive not only offers clarity but also protects the ones you care about most.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Will? I am married and do not have children.

A: Even if you are married and do not have children, having a Will is still a wise decision. Without one, your surviving spouse may experience avoidable delays and additional costs in order to obtain your assets.

Q: Do I need a Will? I am married and I have children.

A: Having a Will is highly recommended, especially if you are married and have children. A Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides clarity for your family during a difficult time. Without a Will, your estate may be divided undesirably according to intestacy laws, which might not align with your preferences.

Q: What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?

A: A Will outlines how your assets are distributed after death and goes through probate. A Trust manages assets both during and after your lifetime, bypassing probate proceedings in court for privacy and efficiency. Both are useful for estate planning.

Q: Can I handwrite my Will?

A: In Texas, a handwritten Will—known as a holographic Will—is legally valid if it meets certain requirements. The entire Will must be written in your own handwriting, and it must be signed by you.