Estate Planning Is Important For Your Future And Your Family
It can be overwhelming to think about planning for the future, but with the right lawyer, the process can go smoothly. When you work with Law Office of Jennifer Casey in The Woodlands, you will have the experienced Texas estate planning guidance you need.
I am attorney Jennifer Casey, and I am prepared to help you create or revise an estate plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. When we meet, we will discuss your finances, assets, and family to ensure your estate plan will satisfy your needs and protect your loved ones today and in the future.
The Basic Elements Of An Estate Plan
Wills And Trusts
A will is the foundation of an estate plan. It allows you to express your final wishes, including how you want your assets to be distributed. This can be straightforward such as leaving everything to your spouse, or it can be complex such as cases where you want to set aside certain assets for children from a first marriage. Or perhaps you own a business or have other sophisticated assets to divide and distribute. I can help with all of these options and more.
You can also use a will to name guardians for your minor children in the event that you and your spouse pass away while they are still minors. In addition, you can specify your funeral and burial wishes, which can make these decisions easier on your family.
A trust is a legal instrument designed to manage assets and their distribution. There are myriad trust options, including testamentary trusts, special needs trusts, charitable giving trusts, revocable and irrevocable trusts, gun trusts, pet trusts, land trusts and more. When we discuss your estate planning needs, we will determine whether a trust is necessary.
Powers Of Attorney And Advance Directives
Your estate plan also includes powers of attorney for health care and finances. If you become incapacitated, the person who has your power of attorney will make decisions for you that align with your wishes. There are powers of attorney for financial matters and for health care decisions. It is better to establish powers of attorney now rather than having your loved ones seek emergency powers of attorney later. This does not mean that you are giving up control of these decisions now, however. Powers of attorney can be drafted to take effect only if you are incapacitated.
An advance directive (living will) allows you to detail the type of end-of-life care you wish to receive. This document can give your family peace of mind and reduce any conflicts or disputes they have about what health care measures you want.
I Will Make It Easy To Get Started On An Estate Plan
Whether you have straightforward or complex assets, I know how to ask the right questions and help you shape the plan that fits your estate planning goals. Call me at 281-528-1948 or send me an email to arrange an appointment today. I work regular business hours and am available at other times by request.
We are now closing at 12 p.m. on Fridays.