Pipkin Ferguson PLLC is a law firm with offices in Houston, Texas that provides personal service in estate planning, wills and trusts at reasonable rates with proven success.  Feel free to call us at  (713) 961-3730 or complete a consultation request form. 

Planning an estate can be one of the most important tasks one does to ensure that their loved ones and assets are taken care of after they are gone.  The things to consider when planning one’s estate are setting up a will or trust, who to name as beneficiaries or powers of appointment or attorney, or who is listed as beneficiaries on particular accounts.  When considering powers of attorney, it is important to name a medical power of attorney as well as a financial power of attorney.  One of the primary reasons that estate planning is so important, is that avoiding probate court can save your estate and your beneficiaries a great deal of time and money.  Even the most basic estate plan can help have your final wishes honored and ensure that your loved ones are not left with the stress and frustration of dealing with what can be difficult decisions during a difficult time.

Who does Estate Planning affect?

Estate planning affects not only the person making the plan, it affects primarily the loved ones they leave behind.  Trying to settle the estate of a loved one that failed to make a plan can be extremely painful and expensive.  Without a plan in place, many times family members can begin to argue or fight over assets that are not specifically listed in the plan.  The last thing you want to do is leave additional burden on loved ones while they are dealing with a loss.  By meeting with a Houston estate planning attorney you can avoid a great deal of the stress that would be left on them otherwise.

Why is an Estate Planning Attorney important?

An estate planning attorney can be a great asset when setting up an estate plan.  They can advise you on setting up a will or a trust as well as making sure that you do not overlook anything when naming beneficiaries or powers of attorney. They will make sure that all your loved ones will avoid probate court, thus saving them a great deal of time and expense.  A Houston estate planning attorney can help you avoid the many pitfalls that are out there and make the process for your loved ones that much easier.  To meet with one of the Houston estate planning attorneys at Pipkin Ferguson to give yourself the peace of mind that an estate plan can provide, click here.

Living Wills 

Living wills are an important document for anyone searching for estate planning Houston. In a living will, the creator can specify their wishes for or against life-sustaining measures, including feeding tubes, life support and resuscitation. As a backup plan, those who search for estate planning Houston may also want to consider a power of attorney form be constructed. This form will name another trusted family member or friend who can make decisions on behalf of the creator, should the creator become incapacitated. In most cases, the last will and testament will also elect the same person to handle the estate as the executor, also called a personal representative, though this isn’t required. Some wills name more than one person, in the event that the primary person cannot accept the responsibilities.

Trusts and Living Trusts

Trusts and living trusts are often created by those who are seeking estate planning Houston. A living trust is created to protect specific money accounts, personal property or other assets from estate taxation or seizure. Living trusts will distribute those funds or assets to designated parties after death. Some living trusts are created only to fund funeral expenses. Even those with few assets use living trusts for this reason. Immediate funds can be dispensed to a designated party to cover funeral costs. There is also the option to meet separately with an attorney to discuss pre-need funeral contracts. Trusts can be made and set up for family members to be activated upon death or incapacitation.

There are many nuances when working through Estate Planning in Houston a skilled and experienced Houston Attorney can assist you with. At Pipkin Ferguson PLLC our attorneys and staff are skilled to help you walk through the nuances of the law to protect your assets and care for your family. 

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