WEALTH & ESTATE PLANNING

Much like a fingerprint, no two estates look alike. Every single person has an estate that is comprised of what they own, including their home, everything inside the home, cars, bank accounts, and personal possessions.  Because no two estates look alike, no two estate plans are identical. The thing we all have in common, though, is that none of us will live forever.  Many people make the mistake of thinking that because they do not own a lot of property, that an estate plan is not necessary. Unfortunately, this can leave an expensive and time-consuming mess for your loved ones to deal with after your death.

 

While most people are naturally not thrilled to talk about their eventual demise, the upside to estate planning is that it gives you the opportunity to say what you want to happen to your estate. Absent proper estate planning, Texas intestate law will control where your property goes regardless of what you have told your loved ones you want.  

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Estate planning involves something different for each person, but our estate planning attorneys in Houston with ML|MW have several options to discuss with you, including the following:

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• Last Will & Testament

• Medical Power of Attorney 

• Statutory Power of Attorney 

• Advanced Directive (often referred to as a Living Will)

• Trust Agreements, including a Discretionary Trust, Gun Trust, Irrevocable Trust, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, Qualified Income Trust, Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) Trust, Special Needs Trust, and Testamentary Trust

• Transfer on Death Deed 

• Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) Order 

• HIPAA Authorization

• Declaration of Guardian in Advance of Need

• Declaration of Appointment of Guardian for Minor Child 

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In addition to these options, many clients also like to discuss asset planning protection, tax treatment upon death, information on what they wish to happen at their burial, and how they want their remains to be handled. Our attorneys at ML|MW can walk you through your options and make sure we come up with an estate plan that works for you and your family.

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Despite what may be popular opinion, estate planning does not have to be expensive nor does it have to be completed all at once. Whatever it is you want, talking to an estate planning attorney can help you learn about your options. Whenever you are ready to start planning for your family’s future, contact our office and get started with our experienced estate planning attorneys. We have offices in Georgetown, Houston, Lubbock, & Sugar Land to meet your estate planning needs.