Wills And Estate Planning Lawyer
Fort Worth – Cleburne, TX
When it comes to estate planning, you may think that something is better than nothing, but off-the-shelf estate plans can have unforeseen consequences. For example,
- A beneficiary who relies on Medicaid can become ineligible if he or she receives property through a Will rather than with a Special Needs Trust.
- A beneficiary who serves as a witness to a Will signing has unintentionally voided his or her own gift under the Will.
Documents are only one part of proper estate planning. Knowing which documents to prepare, what provisions to include, and how documents relate to one another and is why people choose to use an estate-planning attorney.
Whether you drafted a Will online, had documents prepared by an attorney in another state or another decade, or have no plan in place, now is the time to talk with Fort Worth Will and Estate planning lawyer. Call 817-576-6537.
Basic Estate Planning
A Will, a Durable Power of Attorney, and the designation of a guardian are the core documents needed to protect your family from uncertainty.
- Last Will & Testament: Your Will does not take effect until your death. A Will can expedite probate, minimize expenses for your family, and ensure that your beneficiaries receive your property.
- Durable Power of Attorney: A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) appoints and authorizes a person to act as your agent to handle your financial and/or medical affairs if you cannot.
- Declaration of Guardian: You may wish to name a guardian for yourself, should you become incapacitated, and a guardian for your children in the event of death or incapacity of both parents. Your Declaration of Guardian is a suggestion to the court to appoint the person you have chosen but the probate court judge may appoint a different person. You can also state who you DO NOT want as guardian and the judge will follow that order.
Don’t leave your family unprepared or unable to carry out your wishes. Contact Fort Worth, Texas, and Estate planning attorney at Johnson McNulty: 817-576-6537.
Comprehensive Wills And Estate Services
We work to ensure clients receive the help and information they need to address all estate and probate matters, including:
- Asset protection with a Trust
- Medical decision-making with HIPAA forms, Medical Powers of Attorney, and Physician Directives (Living Wills)
- Business succession planning
- Guardianship
Trusts can be used to avoid probate of an estate. Property held by a trust is not subject to probate. Talk to us about your specific concerns and goals, and we can explain which type of Trust will work best for you.
An Advance Directive, commonly known as a Living Will, provides instructions to your healthcare providers and your family regarding your wishes for end-of-life care.
For these and other Wills and Estate planning matters, contact Johnson McNulty online or call 817-576-6537.
