Preparing Wills and Beyond
Many people do not want to think about estate planning, considering it to be a depressing topic. But if you do not create an estate plan, you will automatically take the state's default estate plan, which does not match most people's specific needs and goals.
Creating an estate plan can give you peace of mind. At the Schneider Law Firm, P.C., in Fort Worth, Texas, we help our clients craft appropriate estate plans based on what they personally want to accomplish. Don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Crafting the Right Estate Plan for You
Many people who are looking for estate planning services believe that all they need is a will. And while a will is a valuable estate planning tool, there are other aspects of estate planning that can often more effectively meet clients' needs. The most common elements of an estate plan are the following:
- Wills: A will sets out your basic wishes, which include the choice of your executor and how you wish for your property to be distributed. Major assets can be distributed in a will or through the process of establishing a trust.
- Trusts: A trust is a legal entity that holds your property for the benefit of yourself, your heirs or for charity. Placing your major assets in a trust can help you avoid probate and achieve certain other tax and privacy goals.
- Powers of attorney: A durable power of attorney gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf and can be particularly useful if you temporarily lose the capacity or ability to make financial and health care decisions on your own.
- Living wills: A living will specifies your wishes regarding life-saving treatment and is typically used in conjunction with a medical power of attorney.
We will help you determine which documents are right for you and draft those documents to implement your specific estate planning wishes.
Providing Probate and Guardianship Services
Our attorneys also represent clients who need help sorting out the affairs of family members who have died. Whether or not your loved one had a will, his or her estate may need to go through probate. In tragic situations where the parents of minor children have died, it is also necessary to obtain legal authority for the children's guardians.
We regularly handle probate and guardianship cases in addition to offering estate planning services. Contact us to discuss how our knowledgeable estate and probate lawyers can help you.
