Protect Your Family and Preserve Your Wealth with a Living Trust & Will
Estate planning is the process of setting forth clear legal instructions for how your affairs will be managed during your potential incapacity and how your assets will be transferred and managed after death. A well-prepared estate plan allows these decisions to be made in advance, rather than left to the court system, or to others, who may not understand your intentions.
Stephen works with individuals and families throughout Collin, Denton, Dallas, and Tarrant counties to create estate plans that are practical, legally sound, and appropriate for their circumstances.
What Estate Planning Addresses
Estate planning addresses more than the distribution of assets after death. It also provides direction during periods of incapacity and helps ensure that important decisions are handled according to your wishes.
Estate planning commonly includes planning for:
- Management of financial and legal affairs in the event of incapacity
- Medical decision-making authority and healthcare directives
- Orderly transfer of assets to beneficiaries
- Elimination of unnecessary court involvement
- Preservation of control over personal and financial decisions
Components of a Comprehensive Estate Plan
A comprehensive estate plan may include the following documents, depending on individual goals, family structure, and assets.
- Revocable Trust
- Certification of Trust
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Durable Power of Attorney
- HIPPA Release
- Pour-Over Will
- Real Property Deed(s)
- Ancillary Funding
Not every estate plan requires every document. The documents included depend on the client's assets, situation, and goals. If you are unsure which planning documents are appropriate for your circumstances, a consultation can help clarify your options and planning priorities.
