Estate Planning Lawyer in New Braunfels

While thinking about your own death may not seem like a cheerful prospect, protecting your family’s future is worth taking the small amount of time necessary to create an estate plan. Moreover, with the services provided by our talented estate planning attorneys, you can rest assured that the process will be as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

We understand that the decisions for estate planning can seem overwhelming, but if you will take the first step to come talk with us, we can show you that it does not have to be difficult. If you are planning a trust or a complicated distribution plan that you aren’t quite ready to finalize, you should at least sign a simple will to name an independent executor and prevent intestacy in case something unexpected should happen to you before you finalize your more complicated plan.

It is better to have something rather than nothing and you can always change your will later.

When you’ve worked for a lifetime to create a legacy of goodness and wealth, you shouldn’t let mistakes in your estate plan throw that all away. The effort that you spend on an estate plan now will save your loved ones from a vast amount of expense, delay and frustration later.

Work with Our New Braunfels Estate Planning Lawyer

Let our legal team review your current estate plan or help you craft new documents that offer excellent asset protection both now and for future generations.

Call South TX Family Law for an attorney who will listen compassionately to your wishes and explain your options using language that is easy to understand.

We know family dynamics can be complicated so we do not judge your choices, but we may point out some issues with your plan that you had not thought about before and we will advise you on the most logical type of estate plan you should consider.

We can also help individuals administer estates on behalf of their loved ones, including navigating the daunting Texas probate process. We make the process of probating a valid, well-written Will easy because we know the rules hidden in caselaw, and we handle much of the work for you. Call 210-775-0353 to learn more about how we can help you.

How Can Estate Planning Help Me Avoid Probate in New Braunfels, TX?

One priority many people have, or may think they want, when creating an estate plan in Texas is avoiding probate. Probate is the process through which assets must pass after someone passes away in Texas. During probate, the person’s wills, money, real estate, and other assets must be reviewed, inventoried, and distributed.

The details of the decedent’s Will are then public knowledge, which can infringe on your heirs’ privacy, although we no longer have to publish the inventory of public record. If the will is written in general terms such as “I leave my estate to the following individuals in equal shares,” then it really doesn’t tell the public what or how much each heir received. Probate without a Will is always exhausting and expensive.

On the other hand, for many people with a well-written Will, probate is not as frustrating as they have been led to believe. The New Braunfels estate planning lawyers at South TX Family Law will advise you based upon your total estate and the facts of your situation whether or not avoiding probate is really a goal you should have.

Protect Your Family’s Future with Estate Planning

With the right estate plan, you can help your own family members avoid probate if that is the best route to go.

For example, we can help you craft trusts and other documents that allow you to manage the funds while you’re alive and protect your loved ones’ privacy after you die. For some people, a trust can be the difference between keeping or selling the family farm or ranch that has been in the family for generations.

Trusts may be used to avoid estate taxes and are essential if the estate includes property in multiple states. However, trusts are not the answer for everyone. It is important to talk with a lawyer who will honestly assess your particular situation and explain to you the pros and cons of each alternative.

The experienced estate planning attorneys at South TX Family Law are concerned with what plan fits your situation the best, rather than just selling you a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all trust. Contact us immediately to discuss how we can help you secure your assets and obtain the peace of mind you deserve.

What Documents Are Most Important in My Texas Estate Plan?

Having the proper documents in your estate plan can avoid many legal issues. No property will pass automatically after your death without some type of pre-planning.

Our probate lawyer is happy to discuss what tools you can use to protect your privacy and access to your assets now and in the future.

Some examples of critical documents to include in a San Antonio or New Braunfels estate plan include:

• Wills – Wills describe how the person wants the inheritance passed on. They also name essential contributors to the estate administration process, such as an executor and a guardian of minor children. Even if you have a living trust, a Will is an essential part of every estate plan to catch those assets that may have been left out of the trust.
• Trusts – Trusts offer excellent asset protection and allow you to distribute the inheritance flexibly to meet your family’s unique needs. Trusts can sometimes also help your loved ones avoid probate and they can manage assets for the benefit of an heir who might otherwise be irresponsible with the money. Like a contract, there are many different kinds of trusts and trusts should be customized according to the goals of the person.
• Medical power of attorney – The medical power of attorney allows someone else to make crucial health care decisions on your behalf. In a medical sense, this allows them to tell physicians the manner of healthcare you would wish to receive if you become incapacitated even including the ability to consent to the removal of life support
• Statutory (property) power of attorney – This power of attorney can be used to avoid a guardianship which is another expensive and often contested proceeding. There is no one watching to make sure the trustee is honest or competent in managing the trust, so you must choose your trustee carefully. The scope of the property that can be managed with a power of attorney can be limited or tailored to your needs but most people leave them very broad to catch any unforeseen contingencies
• Self-designation of Guardian in case of need – in this document you can also state whom you wish to disqualify from ever being appointed as your guardian as well as set the order of priority of persons you would choose to be your guardian if the need should ever arise
• Appointment of Agent for Disposition of Remains – this document is essential if you plan to be cremated. It gives the agent the power to make sure that your body is treated as you wish and that your body or ashes are placed where you choose. Families often disagree on what their loved one would have wanted done with their remains so this document can avoid many controversies

Our skilled lawyers have been serving individuals and families in Texas for over five decades. We know Texas law, and we can assist you in developing an estate plan that protects your legacy.

Should You Hire Our Estate Planning Lawyers for your Estate in New Braunfels?

You can count on our legal team for committed care and professionalism as we create an estate plan that meets your unique needs. We promise to respect your wishes within the boundaries of the law as we work tirelessly to protect your assets while you’re alive and in the event of your death.

We are also prepared to help individuals navigate the complexities of probate in New Braunfels. We’ll explain your duties and ensure everything goes smoothly so you don’t face unnecessary legal action. Should disputes arise during the probate process, our probate lawyer can provide excellent counsel and representation.

Please take the time to prepare for the future so you can enjoy peace of mind now and your loved ones do not suffer needlessly after you are gone. Life is more fragile than we like to admit and it can end suddenly without warning.

Your planning must be documented to be effective. By making a plan, you will save your loved ones much time and money later. Contact our legal team at 210-775-0353 to discuss how we can serve you.