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Wills
A will is possibly the most common document that comes to mind when you think of estate planning. A will is a document that takes effect after a person passes away. After you pass away, the executor named in your will applies to be appointed by the court to obtain Letters Testamentary and officially act as the personal representative of your estate. Probating a will can be a fairly simple process in Texas compared to other states, but it is important to have not only a valid will, but one with the appropriate language allowing for an independent administration.
Trusts
A trust is another document about which many have probably heard but few fully understand. There are many types of trusts that can be created for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most common type is the revocable trust, which is a flexible tool for maintaining privacy and avoiding probate. A revocable trust is also a reliable means of owning out-of-state property and avoiding conflict when a family has complicated or unique family dynamics. Irrevocable trusts can be a tax and liability planning device. Special needs trusts can protect and pass wealth to those family members who may rely on government assistance.
Powers of Attorney
A will or trust is not all you need when preparing your estate plan. In addition to these documents, which are mainly in place to handle affairs upon your passing, our attorneys prepare several other “core” documents that will help facilitate your care should you become incapacitated or need someone to act on your behalf. These documents include a financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, directive to physicians and declarations of guardian. These are critical documents for anyone over the age of 18, which is the age a child becomes legally recognized as an adult and a parent loses the right to act on the child’s behalf. >> Read more.
Our firm pioneered a program we call “Wine and Wills.” Someone volunteers to host such an event in their home, and invites their neighbors. Often times, all the “inviting” that needs to be done is by a posting to a neighborhood Facebook page or other social media outlet of general use in the neighborhood, requesting that anyone interested in attending make a reservation. The firm provides the wine and the appetizers.
Then one of our attorneys puts on a short presentation, and stays around to take questions. Often the questions last for quite a while.
Many of those who are now our clients, and other attendees as well, have told us they find gathering information in a relaxed environment like this is not intimidating. They also tell us the presentations are informative and help them clarify issues as to what planning is needed and why. If you are interested in either hosting or attending such an event when offered near you, feel free to contact us and ask about “Wine and Wills.”
If you believe you have valuable services that would be helpful to our clients, we invite you to reach out and schedule a lunch meeting, so we can learn a little more about what you do.
Our firm pioneered a program we call “Wine and Wills.” Someone volunteers to host such an event in their home, and invites their neighbors. Often times, all the “inviting” that needs to be done is by a posting to a neighborhood Facebook page or other social media outlet of general use in the neighborhood, requesting that anyone interested in attending make a reservation. The firm provides the wine and the appetizers.
Then one of our attorneys puts on a short presentation, and stays around to take questions. Often the questions last for quite a while.
Many of those who are now our clients, and other attendees as well, have told us they find gathering information in a relaxed environment like this is not intimidating. They also tell us the presentations are informative and help them clarify issues as to what planning is needed and why. If you are interested in either hosting or attending such an event when offered near you, feel free to contact us and ask about “Wine and Wills.”