Round Rock Estate Planning Attorney

Passing away without an estate plan can result in serious consequences. If you pass away without a valid will, you will have no say in how your assets are distributed. Your estate will be subject to Texas’s intestacy laws, which distributes assets to your most immediate surviving relatives. 

It's important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney in Texas to understand the specific benefits that apply to your unique circumstances and to ensure that your estate plan aligns with state laws and regulations.

Start Your Estate Planning Journey Today

No matter your age, health, or financial situation, it is in your best interest to explore your estate planning options as early as possible. We can assess your circumstances and advise what tools can help achieve your objectives while providing valuable peace of mind.

Estate Planning Tools

Many types of estate planning instruments are available. Some will be used to protect your estate after you have passed away, while others will prepare for the possibility of incapacity. Depending on your goals and situation, there are a variety of estate planning documents that you can use to create an estate plan in Texas.

Our Round Rock estate planning attorney can assist you with:

• Wills. Your last will and testament serves as the foundation of your estate plan. With this document, you can decide who will receive your assets, who will serve as your personal representative, and who will care for your minor children. Keep in mind this document becomes a matter of public record during the probate process. Your will must also be witnessed and signed in order to be enforceable. Our team can review your will and ensure it is appropriately validated. 
• Trusts. A trust is an asset management vehicle that can be used to avoid probate and more efficiently facilitate the distribution of estate property. When you create a trust, you appoint a trustee to manage trust assets for the benefit of the trust’s beneficiaries. Unlike wills, trusts are private and offer more flexibility and customization. Trust assets are also not typically subject to probate. Several different types of trusts exist: Revocable trusts are modifiable and can function like wills, while irrevocable trusts are not modifiable and are generally used to achieve asset protection and limit the impact of estate taxes. We can help you create trusts from the ground up and can also assist with trust administration.
• Advance Directives. You will want a say in your medical care if you become hospitalized and incapacitated. In an advance directive, you can specify the types of treatment you want to receive or not receive. A medical power of attorney can use your advance directive to ensure your wishes are honored. 
• Powers of Attorney. By appointing a power of attorney, you give a trusted agent the authority to act on your behalf within a scope you define. You can also specify that your agent’s authority will only trigger when you become incapacitated. You may wish to appoint a financial power of attorney to manage your affairs and a medical power of attorney to advocate for you in healthcare settings. We can help you draft and execute authorization documents.
• Probate. When someone passes away, their estate must be settled through the probate process. A personal representative of the deceased will need to notify heirs and creditors, inventory the estate, file taxes, pay debts, resolve conflicts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Probate procedures can easily overwhelm an already-grieving loved one, but we are prepared to assist with all elements of estate administration. 

How Do I Make Sure My Minor Children are Taken Care of?

There are many ways to ensure that your children are protected and taken care of. Here are several ways to take care of your kids with an estate plan.

Guardianship

Naming a guardian in your will,  can protect your minor children in the event of your death or incapacitation. Typically a guardian should be someone who you trust to take on the responsibility of raising your children.

Trusts

Creating a trust can ensure that your assets are used to benefit your children. A trust will also protect and hold your assets for your minor children until they reach a specific age or accomplish certain milestones.