What is Estate Planning?

Legacy

Have you ever been told by your parents or grandparents that you remind them of a beloved relative who has since passed? Have you ever wished that you could know more about your family tree and those who have gone before you? We believe strongly in the value of legacy and instilling WHO you are to your family, not just leaving WHAT you have. We would love to help you “Secure Your Legacy”.

Wills

A will is a final document that tells the court and your loved ones what you want to have happen with your possessions and who you would like to receive them. Many things that you own will be covered by a will, but not all of them. We can help you sort out which items will go to whom and the best way to make sure your loved ones get what you are intending for them.

We will also make sure the court knows who should care for your children if you and your partner should pass at the same time.

Trusts

Think of a trust like a box where you can put all of your worldly goods. In the trust instructions, you get to tell your trustee which items in the box go to whom and when they should be handed out. A trust also gives you the ability to require action or inaction by your loved ones who are receiving items from your box. Trusts allow your assets to pass privately, quickly, and in the manner you choose without going through the complex and expensive probate process. It can be a powerful tool in your toolbelt of estate planning choices.

Guardianship

If you and your partner passed simultaneously, who would raise your children?

Who would you like to decide this? You and your partner? The court? Relatives arguing over who should get the children? Are the people who you would want to be your children’s guardians in-state or out-of-state? Who would care for the children until the guardians could arrive?

If you and your partner are struggling to make this choice, we can provide counsel. Finally, we will help you with the appropriate paperwork so that you can have peace of mind for this crucial decision.

Incapacity

If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, you will need the appropriate documents to make sure your assets and your health are taken care of by someone you trust. An Advance Medical Directive and Power of Attorney are included with every will package.

Practical Preparedness

During your estate planning session, we will make sure that each client understands their finances, knows where to find important documents, has a system to find the passwords, knows what accounts they have and their general financial state of being.

Intestacy

Did you know that the State of Texas has an estate plan for you if you don’t have one prepared? Most people are surprised and unsatisfied to find out what the state has for them.

Real Estate

Do you own your home and have minor children? Are you thinking about purchasing a second home in another state? Have you inherited property outside of your home state? You could be subject to ancillary probate in that state. We can save time, money, and headaches by avoiding that ancillary probate in another state.

Pet Trust

What about your furry friends? What will happen to them when you pass? We can help you make final arrangements to ensure that your pets go to someone who cares and that your fur babies have enough resources to care for them in the style to which they have become accustomed.