Estate Planning/Wills

Estate planning is important for everyone, even if the estate is likely to be small. It allows you to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and when you want. It permits you to save as much as possible on taxes, court costs, and attorneys' fees. Most importantly, it means that your family will have an easier time coping with the administrative and financial aspects of your death.

Estate planning begins with a will. A will sets out a plan to distribute property after your death. In larger estates, the will often contains provisions that minimize estate taxes. With a well-drafted will you can avoid legal pitfalls, name an executor of your estate, name a guardian for your minor children, establish trusts, minimize estate tax liability, and minimize probate-related costs by providing for independent administration. Although a will can be challenged in court, the grounds for contest in Texas are few, and the law favors carrying out the decedent's intent.

Medical directives can also be part of an estate plan; a health care proxy, a durable power of attorney for health care, a living will, and medical instructions are documents to consider. These documents help with medical decisions in the event you become incapacitated and unable to express your wishes.

While you're living and healthy, you value being able to make your own decisions about your finances, property, health care, and raising your children. The only way to assure that your desires about these matters are followed after your death, or incapacity, is through estate planning. When you die without a will, you cost your loved ones time, money and frustration during an already difficult time.

Let us help you and your loved ones by drafting estate planning documents for you that will ease the frustrations and complications that often arise from a death or disability.

If you live anywhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Caldwell County, Bastrop County, or Hays County and need the services of an Austin, Texas estate planning lawyer, please contact the Law Office of J. Tim Whitten, P.C.