Practice areasEstate Planning
A clear plan to protect you, your family, and your estate.
We help you decide today, calmly and in writing, what others would otherwise have to decide for you.
Contact usWhat it is
Planning means you decide, not the law.
Estate planning is the set of legal documents that establish who will receive your assets, who will care for your children, and who can make medical and financial decisions for you if you become unable to do so.
It is not only for large estates. It is for parents with children of any age, business owners, couples who want to protect each other, and anyone who wants to spare their family paperwork and disagreements at a difficult time.
When your children turn 18, they are adults under the law, and you no longer have automatic access to their medical information or decisions. A medical power of attorney and a HIPAA authorization signed by them allow you to be there if they need you.
The documents
Each document serves a purpose.
A complete plan usually combines several of these instruments, depending on each person's circumstances.
- 01WillEstablishes who will receive your assets and who will administer your estate. If you have minor children, it also lets you name who will care for them.
- 02Durable Power of AttorneyAuthorizes a person you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you cannot.
- 03Medical Power of AttorneyNames the person who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate them.
- 04Directive to PhysiciansPuts in writing your wishes about life-sustaining treatment in the event of a terminal or irreversible condition.
- 05HIPAA AuthorizationAllows the people you choose to receive information about your health.
- 06Declaration of GuardianStates whom you would prefer as guardian, for yourself or for your children, should one ever need to be appointed.
- 07Disposition of RemainsNames the person responsible for carrying out your wishes for your funeral arrangements.
- 08TrustsIn some cases, a trust complements or replaces part of the plan. Learn more.
Plan options
Not every plan needs a trust.
Every family has different needs. That is why we offer several options, and you choose the one that fits your situation.
- 01
Family protection documents
The powers of attorney and authorizations that allow your family to act for you if you become unable to: durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, directive to physicians, HIPAA authorization, declaration of guardian, and disposition of remains.
- 02
Family protection with a will
The documents above plus a will, to establish who will receive your assets and who will care for your minor children.
- 03
Plan with a trust
For those who also need a trust to manage and transfer their assets.
Learn more
In the initial consultation, we help you identify which option best fits your case.
Without a plan
Without a plan, the law decides for you.
When a person dies without a will in Texas, state law determines who their heirs are and in what shares, regardless of what that person would have wanted.
The family usually has to go to court to have the heirs recognized and the administration of the assets authorized. The process can take time and lead to costs and disagreements that a well-prepared plan helps reduce.
The same is true during life: without signed powers of attorney, your family may need a court proceeding to be able to make decisions for you.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need a will if I have few assets?
A will does more than distribute assets. It also names who will administer your estate and, if you have minor children, who will care for them. That is why it is usually useful regardless of the size of the estate.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect at death and normally goes through a court process. A trust can manage assets starting now and transfer them according to your instructions. Which one is right depends on each case; they are often used together.
I have assets in Mexico and in the United States. Is one will enough?
It depends on the type of assets and where they are located. Each country has its own rules, so it is worth reviewing both sides to make sure the documents do not contradict each other.
Is my will from another state or country valid in Texas?
It may be, but it is worth reviewing to confirm that it meets the requirements and works as you expect under Texas law.
How often should I update my plan?
We suggest reviewing it every three to five years, or sooner if there is a major change in your family or your estate.
Contact
Let's plan what comes next.
Tell us about your situation and we will explain your options for protecting your family and your estate.
Contact usThe information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every situation is different; consult an attorney about your particular case.