Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Near You
If you die in Texas without an estate plan, the court may decide how your assets will be distributed. Fortunately, an experienced Austin estate planning attorney near you can help you create a legally enforceable estate plan to prevent confusion, protect your interests, and avoid unnecessary costs. While it is impossible to plan many aspects of life, it is worthwhile to make your disbursement of finances and healthcare wishes known. We are family focused and strive to develop long-term relationships with our clients in order for your family to have peace of mind if something happens.
Eric M. Willie, Austin Divorce Lawyer provides our clients with counseling and advice in all aspects of Estate Planning in and around the Austin, TX area. We provide the comprehensive guidance you need to plan for the future and protect the financial and emotional well-being of your loved ones. Our experienced estate planning attorneys in Austin understand Texas state laws and procedures which must be followed in estate planning.
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- What is estate planning?
- When should I hire an estate planning attorney?
- Probate and Estate tax avoidance
- Other Documents to consider
- Contact us
What is Austin Estate Planning?
Estate Planning is simply a means by which you can plan your future by clearly documenting your wishes. It includes things like:
- Living Trusts (also known as Revocable Living Trusts)
- Wills
- Naming Guardians for Minors
- AB Trusts
- Disclaimer Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Medical Powers of Attorney
- Living Wills
- Agent to Control Disposition of Remains
- Specialized Estate Planning for Business Owners
- Avoidance of Conservatorships and Guardianships
When Should I hire an Estate Planning Attorney in Austin, Texas?
If you own property, already have children or have recently had an additional child, if you have recently been married or divorced, or if you have had other life changes, you need an estate plan. Having no plan can be disastrous. It is imperative to document your wishes in writing. The consequence of not doing so, is that the State of Texas can determine to whom your property will be distributed, which may not be what you would have wanted.
If you own a business, it is equally important to have an estate plan which clearly defines what happens should you die. Estate Planning for business owners is a complex area. You need an experienced Austin estate planning attorney to help guide you through this process and help you properly plan for the future.
Our lawyers have many years of experience dealing with Texas Estate Planning issues and will insure that your estate is set up and distributed exactly according to your wishes.
Probate and Estate Tax Avoidance – The Living Trust
Our experience and expertise often enables our clients to reduce or eliminate death taxes and avoid probate. For instance, did you know that by setting up a living trust, you may avoid probate? It is often highly desirable to avoid Probate because Probate can be a very long, drawn out, expensive and very public process.
Much like a will, a living trust describes what happens to your property in the event of your death. While you are alive, you remain in complete control and have the power to change the trust at any time. Setting up a living trust allows you to avoid the expense and long delays of probate, and may even save you money on estate taxes. Talk with us to see if this might be an option available to you.
Other Important Estate Planning Documents.
Another important reason to meet with an Austin estate planning lawyer near you is to set forth in a legal document, your wishes and directives regarding your healthcare and finances. These documents are critical in the event you are rendered unconscious or otherwise unable to state your wishes. Our Texas estate planning lawyers near you can help you draft medical powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney and living wills that will help your family and medical providers make important decisions if you are unable to do so.
Contact an Experienced Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Near You
There is an old adage that you could perform surgery on yourself, but why would you want to? While that is an extreme example, it coveys a strong point: Estate Planning, like surgery, is a very complicated and highly specialized and requires someone to be continually up to date on frequent changes taking place. Our knowledgeable and experienced Texas estate planning attorneys understand how to apply these difficult laws to individual situations, to come up with a plan that not only best suits you, but also best protects you.
To set up a free consultation to discuss your estate planning options, contact us online or call us at (512)478-0834.
Reviews of Our Top-Rated Austin, Texas Estate Planning Attorneys
“This firm represented me in my divorce for almost a year and we won all of our hearings. Mr. Willie is an outstanding attorney who know the ins and outs of both family law and the court system. You couldn’t ask for a better lawyer. Highly recommend.” – Valorie Bravo
“I met with Eric and the hospitality was great. He broke everything down to me perfectly and I greatly appreciated it. He is willing to fight for everything you want to accomplish during your tough times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a Family Attorney!” – Christopher Colter
“I found Mr. Willie both competent and professional. His strategy to address a modification petition was sound and successful. What impressed me most was his matter of fact way of analyzing the issues. He was candid and kept things simple as well as understandable. No confusing legal talk, just a clear, direct and sensible manner of approaching the conflict. Further, if you’re looking for a lawyer that will go the extra mile, Eric Willie is your man. We encountered a filing issue due to the COVID shutdown and he stayed with it until completion, proving himself a loyal and devoted attorney. I remain grateful for Mr. Willie’s services and would recommend him for any family law proceedings.” – Freddy Erdman
These are just some of our 176+ Google reviews.