Trust Attorney in Round Rock

Trusts and Wills Attorneys in Round Rock, Georgetown, and Austin

Trusts are a popular estate planning tool that help protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. A trust is a legal arrangement in which a third party, called a trustee, manages and distributes property for the benefit of another person or entity, called a beneficiary. You can create a trust during your lifetime or through your will. If you create a trust during your lifetime, it is called a "living" trust. If you create the trust through your will, it is known as a "will trust." The J.D. Wilson Law Firm brings over 50 years of combined experience supporting clients as they create and manage trusts.

Rely on our Round Rock trusts attorneys to help you create a customized trust that meets your needs and protects your assets. Call (512) 355-1161 or send us a message online today.

What Is a Living Trust?

A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer the ownership of your property to a trustee during your lifetime. A trustee is a person or institution legally bound to manage and distribute your property for the benefit of the trust's beneficiaries. A living trust helps reduce the costs and delays associated with probate. However, a living trust does not avoid all probate costs and delays. If you transfer property into the trust during your lifetime, that property is still considered part of your probate estate. You can revoke a living trust at any time during your lifetime.

Building a living trust with guidance from a local trust attorney ensures your trust aligns with Texas laws and reflects your specific goals for your family or business. In Williamson County, where Round Rock is located, living trusts often offer peace of mind for families concerned about privacy and asset management if incapacity arises. Our team keeps current with Texas regulations governing living trusts and will guide you from document preparation to final implementation. This support helps you protect your assets and allows your loved ones to avoid unnecessary probate proceedings. Connect with a professional living trust lawyer in Round Rock as soon as possible.

What Is a Will Trust?

A will trust is a legal arrangement in which you transfer ownership of your property to a trustee through your will. A will trust differs from a living trust because it is created after your death. A will trust may help reduce probate costs and delays, but it does not avoid all costs. If you transfer property into a trust through your will, that property remains part of your probate estate.

A will trust is a good option if you want to avoid probate costs and delays, but do not want to create a living trust. Speak with a wills and trusts attorney in Round Rock today.

Understanding the Different Types of Trusts

Choosing the right type of trust can impact your estate planning strategy. At The J.D. Wilson Law Firm, we provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your options. 

Here’s a brief overview of some common types of trusts that could benefit your situation:

• Revocable Living Trust: This flexible option allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime while avoiding probate after your passing.
• Irrevocable Trust: Once established, this trust cannot be altered, providing asset protection and potential tax benefits.
• Special Needs Trust: Designed to support individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance programs.
• Charitable Trust: This trust allows you to donate to your favorite charities while also providing tax benefits for your estate.

Each type of trust serves a different purpose and can be tailored to your unique needs. Our attorneys guide you through choosing and setting up the right trust for you so that your assets remain protected and your wishes are honored.

For clients in Round Rock and throughout Central Texas, local property, homestead, and community property laws affect how trusts operate and what protections they offer. We review your financial picture, family structure, and goals to create trust documents that reflect your wishes and comply with Texas law. Our process includes straightforward explanations and guidance at every stage—preparation, funding, and future updates. When questions arise about trust terms, beneficiaries, or trustee responsibilities, we provide answers rooted in local law and experience.

Texas law includes specific rules about homestead exemption, community property rules for spouses, and inheritance. In Round Rock, families use trusts to manage blended households or unique property situations based on these state guidelines. By focusing on these details, we help protect what matters most and offer clear direction to future generations. Our dedication to open communication lets you make informed decisions with confidence. Get in touch with a seasoned trust lawyer in Round Rock now.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process through which a court determines if a will is valid and ensures the estate is distributed appropriately. If the will is valid, the executor distributes the estate's property to the named beneficiaries. If the will is invalid, the court appoints a personal representative to distribute the property to beneficiaries. The court also makes sure debts are paid and property is distributed correctly.

Probate can become costly and time-consuming. Creating a will trust can help reduce probate costs and delays, but does not eliminate them. If you transfer property into the trust through your will, that property remains part of your probate estate.

Why Choose a Trust Over a Will?

Both trusts and wills support your estate planning goals, but a trust offers benefits that may better match your financial priorities and family needs. Knowing these advantages can help you make informed decisions about your estate.

Consider the following benefits of establishing a trust:

• Avoiding probate: Trusts often bypass the probate process, allowing heirs to inherit assets more quickly and efficiently.
• Privacy protection: Unlike wills, which become public records, trusts keep your financial affairs confidential.
• Control over distribution: With a trust, you determine when and how your assets are distributed so your beneficiaries receive inheritances on your terms.
• Protection from creditors: Some trusts can help shield assets from creditors, providing a layer of security for those you care about.
• Incapacity planning: Trusts let you plan for management of your assets if you become incapacitated so your wishes are followed.

At The J.D. Wilson Law Firm, our Round Rock trust attorneys are ready to guide you through the process of establishing a trust designed for your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family's future.

How the Trust Creation Process Works in Round Rock

Establishing a trust in Round Rock starts with a collaborative discussion about your needs and goals. We gather information on your assets, beneficiaries, and long-term wishes to recommend a trust structure that fits your circumstances. Next, our team drafts the trust documents, making sure they comply with Texas law and any local standards unique to Williamson County and Central Texas property rules.

After we draft and review the documents together, you sign them in our Round Rock office or another suitable location. Once signed, we guide you through funding the trust by transferring property and accounts into the trust’s name, following Texas legal requirements. If laws change or your needs evolve, we can review your documents with you to keep your trust current. Our process emphasizes clear communication, tailored planning, and responsive service—qualities that set The J.D. Wilson Law Firm apart in the community. Contact a trust attorney from our firm as soon as possible.

How to Avoid Probate Costs and Delays

You can reduce probate costs and delays by creating a living trust. A living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your property to a trustee during your lifetime. If you transfer property into the trust during your lifetime, that property may still be included in your probate estate. You can also reduce probate costs and delays by transferring property to a will trust after your death.

When we help you structure your estate plan, our team explains which local courts and legal processes affect your assets, including those used by the Williamson County Probate Court in Round Rock. We guide you through the next steps, such as organizing essential documentation and understanding ongoing responsibilities after transferring property into a trust. By staying aware of local requirements and their impact on probate timelines, you can protect your family's legacy while minimizing court involvement.

Call our Round Rock trusts lawyers at (512) 355-1161 to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What assets can I put into a living trust in Texas?

You can usually place real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property into a living trust. Some assets, such as certain retirement accounts, may need special steps to align with Texas law.

Do trusts need to be registered with the court in Round Rock or Williamson County?

Most trusts in Texas—including living and irrevocable trusts—do not require court registration or filing. However, you must title and fund trust assets properly for the trust to function as intended.

How often should I review or update my trust?

You should review your trust if your family changes, your assets change, or your wishes change, or at least every few years. Regular reviews help ensure your documents align with Texas law and reflect your priorities.

Get the help you need from an experienced trust lawyer. Fill out our online form without delay.