Taking the time to plan for what will happen to your personal belongings after your passing is one of the most important legal steps you can take. While it may feel uncomfortable to think about who inherits your jewelry, home, or family heirlooms—or who makes decisions for you if you become incapacitated—this is precisely why estate planning matters.
With guidance from experienced estate planning McAllen attorneys, you can create an estate plan that ensures your wishes are followed and that your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal stress.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning McAllen is the legal process of distributing your assets and property according to your wishes. It often involves drafting estate planning documents like wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney to prepare for illness, incapacity, or death.
With a comprehensive estate plan, you determine:
- Who receives your property?
- Who will raise your children if necessary
- Who makes financial or medical decisions if you’re unable
- How to avoid unnecessary taxes or delays in court
Estate planning also protects your family from having your estate handled by the probate court without your input.
Should You Use an Attorney for Estate Planning?
- While it’s possible to create a basic will on your own, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can make all the difference. An attorney helps ensure your estate planning documents are legally sound, reflect your wishes, and anticipate potential challenges. This guidance is especially valuable when dealing with blended families, large estates, or complex assets.
Which Is Better, a Will or an Estate Plan?
- A complete estate plan typically includes a will, living trust, and powers of attorney to cover financial and medical decisions. While a will provides clear instructions after death, an estate plan offers more comprehensive protection for both life and legacy. In most cases, the best approach isn’t choosing between them, but combining them for stronger coverage.
How to Avoid Probate in Texas
- If you pass away without a will or trust, the probate court will step in to decide how your assets are distributed, often leading to delays, added costs, and disputes among heirs. The probate process typically involves filing the will, validating it, notifying heirs, paying debts, and distributing assets. This not only saves time and money but also ensures your wishes are carried out privately and efficiently.
Is an Estate Planner Worth It?
Families often wonder if hiring an estate planner is worth it. The truth is, the cost of hiring an attorney for estate planning is usually far less than the expenses and disputes that can arise from not having a plan. Estate planners not only draft documents but also provide strategies to protect assets, minimize taxes, and keep family members out of costly legal battles.
What to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney
When meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s helpful to come prepared with questions. Common questions include:
- How do I make sure my estate avoids probate court?
- Should I include both a will and a living trust?
- How can I protect my family from disputes after I’m gone?
- What documents should I have ready when we meet?
Asking these questions helps you understand the process and ensures you’re getting the guidance you need.
Why Choose Local Estate Planning Attorneys
Our team of estate planning McAllen attorneys at Fryer and Hansen is committed to helping South Texas families create an estate plan that reflects their values and protects their loved ones. We take the time to explain every part of the process, from drafting a power of attorney to establishing a living trust, so you feel confident and supported.
Read our FAQ Page for more important estate planning information.
Start Planning Today
There’s no better time than now to secure your future. Contact Fryer and Hansen to speak with a trusted estate planning McAllen lawyer. We’re here to help you craft a plan that works—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.