Dallas Estate Litigation and Planning Blog

Dictating how your assets should be distributed upon your passing is extremely important if you want a say in who gets your money and how much they will receive. Estate planning becomes even more important when you have children because it can indicate who will be the children’s guardians if they are minors. Estate plans can also ensure that someone trustworthy manages the children’s money while they are minors.

When creating an estate plan, you must consider your circumstances as they are today and not base the plan on the assumption that you will not pass for years. For example, if you have a minor child, you need to consider what you want to happen if you pass away while they are still a minor because, under Texas law, they cannot control assets until they are at least 18 years old.

There are a variety of ways that money can be left to your children, including wills, trusts, or by naming them beneficiaries of retirement plans, life insurance, and 529 plans. The best ways to leave your children money are through estate planning tools, such as wills and trusts.

Wills

A will is a legal document laying out how someone’s assets will be distributed upon death. If you have minor children, you can also name one or more people as the child’s guardian if you pass away while they are still minors. Generally, while the child is a minor, their guardian will control the child’s money unless another person is named to manage the minor’s money until they reach the age of majority or an agreement set out in the will, whichever is later.

For a will to be valid, you must sign it at the end of the document in the presence of two witnesses. They will also sign the document certifying that the testator voluntarily signed the document in their presence. A will has no legal effect until it is probated in the court of appropriate jurisdiction, which is usually the probate court in the county where you live at the time of your death.

Trusts

A trust takes assets out of your name and places them under a trust agreement. So, for example, if you own a house, instead of it being in your name, you will deed it to your trust. The party holding and managing the trust is known as a trustee and can be you until death. At that point, a successor trustee will become the primary trustee.

Trusts allow individuals to avoid probate because there is no property in the deceased’s name. As a result, children will have access to the money sooner than if it were left through a will. In addition, the trust can outline how the trustee should distribute the money, meaning you can direct trustees to pay your children’s expenses or cash distributions, regardless of age.

Estate planning tools like wills and trusts are the best options for leaving money to your children because you can outline how and when your children will receive the money. If the child is a minor, you can even dictate how they can spend the money. However, while wills and trust are the best options, there are other ways to leave your children money, including:

• Retirement accounts: Generally, retirement accounts like 401k’s and IRAs allow for named beneficiaries. The money will go to the decedent’s estate if there is no designated beneficiary. Naming a beneficiary will enable funds to avoid probate, saving time when it is accessible to the beneficiaries. Like the original owners of the retirement account, heirs will owe taxes on the money when they take distributions unless they were Roth IRA contributions.
• Life insurance: Life insurance is meant to make sure that people who rely on your financially will be okay upon your death. Purchasing life insurance and naming your children as beneficiaries can provide their children with financial protection upon their parent’s death. You can also name your trust as the beneficiary, allowing your trustee to have control of the life insurance money rather than giving your children direct control of the funds if they have reached the age of majority.
• 529 plans: A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan to help pay for your children’s education. 529 plans allow tax-free withdrawals for qualifying education expenses, which include expenses directly related to education expenses from kindergarten through postsecondary. Although, withdrawals for expenses for grades K-12 are limited.

Will My Children Receive My Money If I Don’t Create an Estate Plan?

In cases where an estate plan is not created before someone’s death, their assets will be distributed according to Texas’s intestate succession laws. As a result, if you have not made an estate plan, your assets that do not have named beneficiaries will be distributed depending on who survives the decedent by at least 120 hours:

• If there is no surviving spouse, then the children will inherit everything.
• Suppose there is a surviving spouse, and the children are biologically their child. In that case, the spouse will get all of the community property, one-third of your separate property, and a lifetime right to use your real estate. The children will receive the remaining assets.
• Suppose there is a surviving spouse, but the children are not biologically related to the surviving spouse. In that case, the surviving spouse will receive one-half of the community property, one-third of your separate property, and a lifetime right to use your real estate. The children receive the remaining assets.

In Texas, community property generally means any property acquired by a couple during a marriage, with a few exceptions that an experienced attorney of Staubus and Randall can explain.

Contact An Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Today

If you have children, it is essential to make an estate plan because you never know what will happen. The experienced Dallas estate planning attorneys at Staubus and Randall will be able to review and evaluate your specific needs and help you create an estate plan that will help ensure your assets go to those you wish them to.

Whether you are creating a new estate plan or need your current estate plan revised, the skilled attorneys of Staubus and Randall are ready to help. Contact us online or call us at 214-691-3411 for a consultation.

Blended families are becoming increasingly common, with many households now consisting of remarried parents, children from multiple marriages, and adopted children. Estate planning for blended families can be a complex process, but with the help of an estate planning attorney, it’s possible to create a plan that ensures your assets are passed on to your loved ones as you intended.

What is Estate Planning for Blended Families?

Estate planning for blended families involves creating a plan, including a will, for the distribution of your assets upon your death. It includes decisions about how to divide your property and financial assets and who will take care of your children if you are no longer able to.

Estate planning also includes decisions about who will manage your finances and make healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. You can record your wishes for these matters in a living will.

Why Estate Planning is Critical for Blended Families

Some of the benefits of getting an estate plan in place include:

• Protecting children from previous relationships
• Ensuring that your assets are distributed as you intend, to whom you intend
• Avoiding disputes and family conflicts
• Making sure that your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated
• Providing financial stability for your family

The Benefits of Working with an Estate Planning Attorney

An estate planning attorney specializes in helping families create and implement estate plans. They have the experience needed to help you navigate the complex legal and financial issues that come with estate planning for blended families. Here are some of the key benefits of working with an estate planning attorney:

• Customized Solutions – Estate planning attorneys can help you create a plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. They will work with you to understand your goals and concerns and help you create a plan that reflects your wishes.
• Sound Advice – Estate planning attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal and financial aspects of estate planning. They can provide sound advice on how to best protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are followed. They can also advise you on estate tax law, an important component of the estate planning process.
• Avoiding Probate – Estate planning attorneys can help you create a plan that minimizes the need for probate court. Probate can be a long and costly process, and avoiding it can save your family time and money.
• Peace of Mind – Estate planning can be complex and emotional. When you work with an estate planning attorney, they can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your plan is in good hands and that your family will be protected.

Steps to Estate Planning for Blended Families

Here are the key steps to estate planning for blended families:

• Gather Information – The first step in estate planning is to gather all of the relevant information about your assets and liabilities. This includes information about your property, investments, bank accounts, and other assets.
• Assess Your Goals – The next step is to assess your goals and determine what you want to accomplish with your estate plan. This may include decisions about how you want your assets to be distributed, who you want to take care of your children, and how you want your finances and healthcare managed if you are unable to do so.
• Create a Plan – Once you’ve gathered all the relevant information and assessed your goals, you can work with an estate planning attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan. This will include important documents such as a last will, power of attorney, and living will.
• Review and Update – Estate planning is an ongoing process, and it’s best to review and update your plan regularly. Your attorney can help you keep your plan up-to-date and ensure that it reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

The Estate Planning Attorneys at Staubus and Randall Can Help

Estate planning for blended families can be a complex process, but it’s essential to ensure that your assets are protected and passed on to your loved ones as you intended. By working with an estate planning attorney, you have peace of mind knowing that your family is protected and that everyone will follow your wishes.

If you are a member of a blended family, you should consider starting estate planning as soon as possible. Our skilled estate planning attorneys have the experience needed to ensure that your family is looked after no matter what happens in the future. Our team is standing by to help. Give us a call today at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation.

When someone dies, their last will and testament must enter probate. A probate judge reviews the will to confirm its validity and authorizes the executor to administer the estate.

The thought of putting your family through probate can be upsetting and stressful. You want your loved ones to receive the assets they deserve without enduring a complicated legal process. However, probate isn’t as scary as it might seem.

Below are the most common misconceptions about probate in Texas.

1. The State Takes Every Possession if There Isn’t a Will

One of the most common misconceptions about probate is where a person’s belongings end up if they die without a valid will. Many think the state will assume ownership of everything, and surviving family will never receive any assets.

However, that’s not true. According to Chapter 201 Subchapter A of the Texas Estates Code, an estate passes to surviving heirs by intestate succession if there isn’t a will. That means your assets will be distributed to your spouse, children, parent, and other individuals in your line of succession.

Intestate succession isn’t a problem for some people. However, if you’re not close to your family or want specific assets to pass to one heir over another, creating a will and naming beneficiaries is crucial.

2. Probate Takes Years to Complete

The probate process can take some time. However, it doesn’t necessarily take years. It might take a while if someone contests the will or files a lawsuit against the executor for misconduct.

The length of probate also depends on the size of the estate. Typically, probate can take about six months or up to a year for the judge to approve the administration of the estate.

3. The Oldest Child Must Be the Executor

Choosing your oldest child as the executor of your estate might make sense. However, it isn’t a law. You can appoint anyone as the executor of your estate if they meet the requirements.

Your executor can be a sibling, parent, friend, or coworker. They must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. They must also not have a conflict of interest or have been convicted of a state or federal felony.

4. Estate Taxes Will Drain the Estate

Estate taxes are a real thing. Administering an estate requires paying taxes, debts, and other obligations. However, Texas does not impose an estate tax.

The federal estate tax only applies to estates worth over $12,060,000 as of 2022. Starting in 2023, an estate is subject to federal estate taxes if the value is over $12,920,000. Unless your estate exceeds those tax exemptions, you don’t have to worry about your family using most or all of your assets to pay taxes.

5. Avoiding or Minimizing Probate Isn’t Possible

Your entire estate can’t avoid probate. Probate is necessary to validate your will. However, you can set up parts of your estate to avoid probate, so some of your assets transfer automatically upon your death.

How to Avoid Probate in Texas

Multiple options are available for minimizing probate assets so beneficiaries can receive property without waiting for the court to authorize the distribution. You should consider these options while creating your estate plan to prevent your family from encountering complications:

• Revocable living trust – A revocable living trust is a type of trust you can control while you’re alive. You can transfer and remove assets, change beneficiaries, and revoke the trust at any point during your lifetime. When you die, the assets held in the trust will pass directly to your named beneficiaries according to the instructions in your trust agreement.
• Joint ownership with a right of survivorship – Two or more people can own property and establish joint ownership with a right of survivorship. It gives the surviving owner control of the asset upon the other owner’s death.
• Transfer-on-death (TOD) deed – You can use a TOD deed for real estate, brokerage accounts, motor vehicles, and qualified securities. Ownership transfers to your named beneficiary or beneficiaries when you die.
• Beneficiary designations – You should complete a beneficiary designation form on your financial accounts. Your beneficiary can access the funds after you pass away without going through probate. You can include a beneficiary designation for savings bonds, life insurance policies, securities accounts, retirement plans, and bank accounts.

Get Help with Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is time-consuming. You must complete all necessary documents according to the requirements of state law. Errors can cause significant problems for your family, leading to will contests, creditor claims, and other legal disputes. You can make the process easier for your loved ones by establishing a well-prepared estate plan with an experienced lawyer.

The Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall have over 100 years of combined experience in estate planning. We can help protect your assets and your family’s future. Call us at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation today.

Your will contains your last instructions to family and friends about how you want your estate distributed. Although every will is different, there are essential items you should address and components you must include to ensure the document is legal.

Texas has requirements a will must meet to be considered valid. One of these is that there must be a physical document. In other words, it cannot only exist as a digital document. You must be at least 18 years old to create a valid will, and the will must be made voluntarily of your own free will by a person who is of sound mind.

Additionally, the document must include verbiage that makes it a will and be signed in the presence of two credible witnesses who must also sign it. Making the document legal is a vital part of creating a will, so you will likely want to work with a Dallas estate planning attorney who can ensure your document will be followed in the event of your death.

What Are the Most Important Things to Include?

When you create a will, certain factors should be present, including:

Identifying information: At the beginning of the document, your Dallas estate and trust attorney will include information such as your name, address, and a declaration that this document is your will. It must also include your marital status when the will is written and signed and your children’s names.

Debt payment: A section must tell the executor of the will how the remaining debts should be paid. This includes the assets that will be used to pay off the debt. This section can also include whether the home should be sold to pay the mortgage if there is one.

Assets: As you create your will, ensure you have listed all major assets and assets with personal value. Your will can work in combination with a trust to distribute your estate. You must list all assets that you want to give specifically to a particular beneficiary. These are individuals who receive your assets. You can leave everything to one person without putting in the specific details of your assets.

Beneficiaries: Your beneficiaries can be individuals, groups, or charities. It may be wise to name a contingent beneficiary in case the individual you choose to inherit your assets dies before you do.

Guardianship: If you have children younger than the age of majority in the state, your will should designate a guardian. In Texas, the age of majority is 18. If you do not designate a guardian for the younger children, the court will make that decision for you.

Trust: This is an optional component of a will. However, if you have minor children, you may want to include the creation of a testamentary trust for your minor children to help pay for the children’s support while they’re with the guardian. This trust is funded by your assets and can be distributed to the guardian throughout the time your children live with them.

Executor: Your will must identify a person or persons who will ensure your will is executed to your specifications. They will manage your assets, pay your debts, and distribute the estate based on the powers you give them in the will.

Does It Need to Be Notarized?

In Texas, a will does not need to be notarized. However, the statutes allow you the option of including a self-proving affidavit. In this case, you, the witnesses, and a notary sign the affidavit, which offers evidence that you signed the will following state laws.

The affidavit is attached to the will and is a substitute for the testimony of witnesses in court during probate. This can save your beneficiaries time and money as it demonstrates the will meets the legal requirement.

However, if your will does not meet the legal standard, the court can find it invalid, and the estate will then be distributed as if you died without a will.

Contact Staubus and Randall to Help Ensure Your Will Is Followed

If you need help with your estate planning or creating a trust, you’ll want to contact the experienced and compassionate attorneys from Staubus and Randall. Our legal team can advise you about the different elements that must be included in a legal will. Our team will help you plan your estate and asset management to help care for your loved ones after you’ve died.

Contact our office today at 214-691-3411 to speak with a Dallas estate planning attorney who can help you address all the necessary scenarios that may affect your family. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance.

The process of estate planning rests on numerous assumptions. Key amongst these assumptions is the notion that the beneficiaries of your will are going to outlive you. While it is probable that your heirs will still be around when you pass, particularly if they are younger than you are, there is always a possibility that someone you have named in your will may not survive you.

Although this kind of event is unpleasant to consider, it is crucial to recognize how inheritance works under such conditions according to Texas law. Understanding the various potential outcomes of a situation like this can help you to ensure that your estate plan is as thorough and straightforward as possible.

Texas Survival Requirements

According to the Texas Estates Code, a beneficiary of a will must survive the person who made it (the testator) by five days to inherit property. The property will therefore pass in this fashion by default unless the testator’s will contains language that:

• Addresses simultaneous deaths or deaths in a common disaster, or
• Specifies that a beneficiary must survive the testator for a certain period to inherit the property in question.

Most estate planning attorneys recommend that their clients’ wills include survivorship language requiring a beneficiary to survive for a longer time, such as 30 or 60 days if they are to inherit under the will. The reason for this is that if a beneficiary dies soon after the testator, the testator’s estate may pass according to the wishes outlined in the beneficiary’s will rather than that of the original testator themselves.

For example, if your will stipulates that your home is to be passed to your nephew after your death, your nephew will inherit your home even if he survived you by just a few days. Upon his death, even though it is only days after yours, the house would pass to your nephew’s heirs according to his estate plan, even if you would have preferred to have it pass to a younger niece instead.

On the other hand, if you include language in your will that any beneficiary who dies within a short time of your own death will not be eligible to inherit, your own wishes for your property would determine how it would pass. In the absence of this language, according to Texas law, any beneficiary can inherit if they outlive you by five days.

Contingent Beneficiaries

A good estate planning attorney will advise you to name a contingent beneficiary to whom the property will pass in the event that the primary beneficiary does not survive your death or that they die before the stipulated survival period is complete. For example, you could name your niece as a contingent beneficiary of your home if your nephew does not survive you for the required number of days.

Lapsed Gifts

If a will does not name a contingent beneficiary, or if the contingent beneficiary is deemed to have predeceased the testator, the gift will have “lapsed” or failed. The distribution of lapsed gifts is determined by Texas state law.

A will may contain language stipulating that any lapsed gift will become part of the residuary estate. Even in the absence of this language, the Texas Estates Code instructs that lapsed gifts will pass to the parties the testator’s will named as the residuary benefits of the estate.

The law also states that if there are multiple residual beneficiaries named in the will and one of them predeceases the testator, the deceased beneficiary’s share shall pass to the surviving residuary beneficiaries in a manner proportionate to their interest in the residuary estate. If there are three residuary beneficiaries, and one dies, the deceased beneficiary’s share of the residuary estate will be split 50-50 between the surviving two.

The residuary estate will pass as though the testator died without the will in the event that all residuary beneficiaries:

• Are dead when the will is executed,
• Do not survive the testator, or
• Do not survive the testator for the amount of time stipulated in the will.

Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

Planning how your estate will be distributed upon your passing can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the various eventualities, no matter how improbable. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate all these complications so that you can have confidence in your plan. The Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall have the knowledge and skills necessary to guide you through the process so that you’ll know your wishes will be fulfilled.

Call us today at 214-691-3411 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you understandably have concerns with how the progression of the disease will affect them goring forward and what types of treatment and care they will need. Additionally, if they have not yet created an estate plan, they might not have the powers of attorney required to successfully manage their care in the way they would wish.

Luckily, you have many options available to help ensure your loved one with Alzheimer’s is protected and provided for during their battle with the disease.

Estate Planning Options for Those with Alzheimer’s

As a long-term and progressive disease, Alzheimer’s will require a lot of money and resources to treat and manage throughout the remainder of your loved one’s life. Many people are financially unprepared for the ordeal, and they also have no legal documents in place to specify wishes and instructions for health care, life-sustaining treatment, or what will happen to their assets upon their passing.

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, your loved one should consult with legal and financial professionals as soon as possible. Although your loved one can make important decisions now, they will lose that ability as the disease progresses, and they will have to be of sound mind and deemed competent to make decisions in order create important documents to protect them in the future.

Therefore, your loved one needs to meet with an estate attorney to draft the following. You should also make sure they are filed with the court, or appropriate party, and that they are readily accessible to you and other pertinent parties when needed:

• A will that details their wishes and instructions regarding their assets and beneficiaries as well as their end-of-life details
• A living will to specify their wishes and instructions regarding lifesaving or life-sustaining treatment
• A durable power of attorney for financial decisions
• A medical power of attorney for health care decisions
• An advance health care directive, such as a do not resuscitate order

Even if your loved one already has a will or other estate documents, those documents may need updating after the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Your loved one will need to have an attorney review them and make changes as needed.

Financial Documents and Protections

Treating and managing Alzheimer’s is expensive, and the costs will only increase as the disease progresses. You will need to sit with your loved one and carefully review their finances to determine their ability to cover the costs they may incur. Your estate planning attorney can help you with this, and they may partner with financial advisers who can help you and your loved one create a plan to provide funds for their care and treatment.

Along with ensuring your loved one will have funds available to pay for care and treatment, you will also need to protect those funds when your loved one has progressed to the point that they can no longer make financial decisions on their own.

For that reason, you need to ensure you have the following documents in place:

• A durable power of attorney – This will grant an agent your loved one designates to make financial decisions on their behalf when they become incapacitated or incompetent.
• A living trust – More versatile than a will, a living trust can be used while your loved one is still alive, and it does not have to go through probate. It can cover a wide range of assets, and the funds can be used to pay bills and other costs associated with your loved one’s treatment and care.

Special Needs Trusts

These trusts, also sometimes called “Supplemental Needs Trusts,” are allowed through a federal statute. People who are disabled can receive benefit from the trust assets and income. These trusts are only useful in particular circumstances. To determine whether your loved one is eligible for a trust of this type and whether they would benefit from one, they’ll require the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney.

Contact Us

There might be other options available, and the experienced Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall will explain all of the options and help your loved one create a solid estate plan that will provide for and protect your loved one and their family going forward.

However, your loved one needs to create their estate documents while they still can make important decisions, so you should contact us as soon as possible at 214-691-3411 to request a confidential consultation.

If you have considerable debt, you may have concerns about passing those debts on to your heirs and loved ones through your estate when you pass away. Likewise, if you are the beneficiary of someone’s estate, you may be concerned about incurring your loved one’s debt and having to pay it back. In limited circumstances, an heir might inherit a debt. Read on for additional information.

Like all other states, Texas has specific codes that govern estates and succession. Texas does not impose estate taxes or inheritance taxes, but the estate may have to pay federal and state income taxes.

Estates and Debts

A decedent may not only have assets, but debts, as well. When the executor or administrator of the estate takes charge of the estate, those debts will have to be accounted for in the estate administration process.

In some instances, a debt may be forgiven upon the death of the debtor, but most of the time, creditors will seek recompense for the money they are owed. Upon someone’s death, all debts become part of the estate, and the estate’s assets must be used to pay off any debts.

By law, the executor or representative of the estate must provide notices to creditors of the estate owner’s passing through the following methods:

• Publishing a notice in a local newspaper
• Mailing a notice to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• Mailing notice to secured creditors

The notices should be published in the newspaper within 30 days of the executor’s appointment, and notices to secured creditors must be mailed as a certified or registered letter to secured creditors within 60 days of the executor’s appointment. Failing to do so can result in liability issues for the estate’s executor. Executors may also provide notice to unsecured creditors, but it is not required, and there is no established deadline for doing so.

Upon receiving notice of the decedent’s death, creditors will have a certain time to present a claim against the estate to recover their money. Any person or entity owed money by the decedent may present a claim against the estate. These people or entities fall into two categories:

• Secured creditors – Loans secured by collateral, such as a mortgage or car
• Unsecured creditors – Loans unsecured by collateral, like credit cards or personal loans

A creditor must present a claim against the estate accompanied by an affidavit to recover money, and the claim must show that it is just. It must account for the money owed. If the creditor is a corporation or other legal entity, then an authorized representative of the entity may present the affidavit.

Priority of Creditors

Just because a creditor presents a claim against the estate does not mean they will get the money they are owed. In fact, some creditors receive no money if the estate’s assets cannot cover all its debts.

However, certain entities take precedent over others, and the creditors are usually prioritized as follows:

• The IRS
• Funeral costs and final expenses up to $15,000
• Family allowances
• Administration costs
• Secured loans
• Owed child support
• State taxes
• Costs of incarceration
• Medicaid and state medical assistance payments
• Unsecured loans and other claims

An estate executor or representative has the option to accept or reject a claim, and they have 30 days to decide. If they have not decided after that time, the claim is considered rejected, and the creditor can file suit against the estate in probate court.

Will You Have to Pay Any Debts?

In general, heirs do not inherit debt after a loved one’s passing. In fact, federal student loans may be forgiven, depending on the situation, and credit card debt will not pass down to children. However, you may be responsible for your benefactor’s debts if any of the following applies:

• You were a co-signer on a loan with the decedent
• You are their adult child, and they passed off their mortgage to you as an inheritance
• You were married to them at the time of their passing

Texas is a community property state, and the state considers all assets, property, and debt to be jointly owned by both spouses. You can be held responsible for any debt your partner acquired during your marriage, even if your name is not on the account. However, you are not automatically liable for your spouse’s separate debt, and you need to review your situation with an estate or probate attorney to understand your options.

Contact Us

The experienced Dallas estate litigation attorneys of Staubus and Randall will review your situation and advise you of your rights and options. We are here for you in this difficult time, and you can contact us at 214-691-3411 to request a confidential consultation.

As you are planning how to distribute your estate, there are many legal instruments to consider. These can help make potential future situations easier for you and your loved ones. One of these is a medical power of attorney (POA). This can also be called an advance healthcare directive or, more briefly, an advance directive.

There may come a time in our lives when we are unable to make our own medical decisions. This could occur as a result of injury, illness, or old age. While we can’t necessarily anticipate such a situation, we can plan ahead for it. A medical POA is a way to do just that.

Why Would I Want to Create a Medical Power of Attorney?

A medical POA is an advance directive regarding medical decisions to be made on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. The person you choose to make these decisions for you can be referred to as your agent or as your medical power of attorney. They would be able to make essentially any medical decision that you would be able to make yourself.

A medical POA takes effect immediately after you have delivered the signed document to your agent. They will only be able to make medical decisions on your behalf after your doctor has certified in writing that you are unable to do so yourself. Without a medical POA, your doctor would make decisions for you based on what they believe is best.

Since the need for a medical POA could occur at literally any moment, it’s never too soon to create one. By doing so, you will ensure that your wishes for your medical care are enacted. You will also help ease a time that may be highly emotional and difficult for your family and friends.

What Types of Decisions Can My Agent Make for Me?

The person you choose as your medical POA can make medical decisions on your behalf in virtually any area. This includes your specific preferences for or against any type of medical treatment. These can include decisions regarding:

•     Medications
•     Organ donation
•     Convulsive treatment
•     Tests to be performed
•     Withholding treatment in an attempt to provide you comfort
•     Which doctors and healthcare facilities will treat you
•     Whether to keep you on life support
•     How aggressively conditions such as brain disease will be treated
•     Whether surgical procedures will be performed

Because of the nature of these decisions to be made on your behalf, it’s important to discuss them in advance, so your medical POA understands your wishes. You should also discuss any other related matters with them so they are fully aware of your desires. These may include aspects such as moral beliefs and religious beliefs.

Who Should I Choose as My Medical POA?

The person you choose to act as your agent must be at least 18 years old. You should choose someone that you trust will carry out your wishes as they make decisions for you. This could be a spouse, trusted friend, or close relative.

This person will carry a significant amount of responsibility, so you want to make sure you know them well. Consider people who you know will be calm under pressure. You want someone who will ask questions if they need more information to understand a situation. Above all, choose someone you trust to act with your best interest in mind.

What Do I Need in Order to Create a Medical POA?

Once you have decided that you wish to establish a medical POA, you will need to select the person who will act as your agent. There are several forms that will need to be completed to designate the person you choose as your medical POA. One of these is the Texas Health and Human Services Commission medical power of attorney form.

You should consult an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss your wishes. It’s important that you understand the implications of the estate planning choices you make today. There are laws that can impact your situation. In addition, you may also be well-served to consider creating a will or trust.

Contact Staubus and Randall Today

If you are planning your estate, you may be considering a medical power of attorney. You should speak with an experienced Dallas estate planning lawyer. Call us today at 214-691-3411 to speak with a member of the Staubus and Randall legal team. Our lawyers are ready to schedule a consultation with you. Call us now.

If you are planning your estate, this can be an overwhelming time. There are many considerations, and it can be difficult to know how to best take care of your loved ones. You do not have to do this alone.

You are taking the right step by planning your estate, regardless of your age. Shockingly, nearly half of Americans over 55 have not made provisions for their estate.

An experienced and compassionate estate planning attorney can guide you through this process. One of the questions you’ll have is whether you should have a will or a trust. There are key differences to understand between the two instruments. While they are similar in some ways, they also differ in significant ways.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that specifies how certain elements of your estate will be handled upon your death. It takes effect at the time of death and generally includes the beneficiaries who will receive your assets, how those assets will be distributed, as well as who will be the guardian of any young children.

When a will is created, it also specifies who the executor will be. This is the person who will execute the directives of the will. Typically, this may be a spouse, friend, adult child, or another close relative. It’s important to note that a will is a public document, so the details will not be kept private.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal document. One type of trust is called a revocable living trust. A trust can be either individual or shared. When you create a trust, you then transfer your assets into the trust. This includes property, financial accounts, and real estate. You maintain control over these assets and the trust while you are still living.

To manage the trust, you will designate one or more trustees. A trustee will distribute the property after you pass away. A revocable living trust is named this way because it means that you have the right to revoke it. This is in contrast to an irrevocable trust, which cannot be changed after it is finalized. In addition to being able to revoke an irrevocable trust, you also have the right to appoint and remove trustees.

What Are Reasons That I Would Want to Choose a Will?

A will is comparatively less complex to create than a trust. In addition, a will has a lower upfront cost than a trust. This means that you will pay less to create a will. However, there will likely be future costs associated with the will going to probate court. These include probate court fees and probate attorney fees that will need to be paid by your beneficiaries.

A will allows you to name future guardians for your young children, while a trust does not. In a will, you can also name property managers for your children’s property. A will also allows you to include instructions for how taxes and debts associated with your account will be paid. For example, you can specify that certain debts owed to you will be forgiven.

Why Would I Want to Choose a Living Trust?

There are multiple reasons why you may want to create a trust instead of a will. A trust is more difficult to contest than a will. A trust is not a public document, so the details of your assets and their distribution will be kept confidential. In addition, while a will must go through the probate process, a trust does not. This means there are no associated probate court fees or probate attorney fees. It also means that the process of administering the trust after you pass away can take less time than the execution of a will.

A trust does carry a higher upfront cost than a will. This means that you will pay more at the time of creation. However, your beneficiaries will not have to bear these costs in the future. With a trust, you also have more control over how your assets are transferred to your beneficiaries.

How Staubus and Randall Can Help

If you are considering creating a will or trust, you should speak with an estate planning attorney today. In some situations, it may be that a combination of a will and trust is the most appropriate. You owe it to yourself and your family to understand how the differences between these legal documents may affect you.

Call us today at 214-691-3411 to speak with a Dallas estate planning attorney of Staubus and Randall. You can also send us your information using our online contact form. Each case is unique, and our team can help you make the best choice for your situation.

Planning what will happen to your estate when you are no longer around can feel overwhelming. Among the many challenges you may face is the question of what the tax implications of the transfer of assets might be for you or your heirs. Fortunately, an irrevocable trust is a useful tool that has significant tax benefits for both the creator and the beneficiaries of the trust.

As with most financial tools, irrevocable trusts have their drawbacks as well. Having a full understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of irrevocable trusts can help you make an informed decision as to whether they might be a useful part of your estate plan.

If you have pressing questions about Irrevocable Trusts, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced legal team at Staubus and Randall. We’re here to help.

What Is an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust removes taxable assets from the grantor’s estate and transfers them into a trust under the control of a trustee. When the trust is created, the grantor sets up specific conditions under which the assets should be distributed to the beneficiaries.

The key provision that gives an irrevocable trust its name is that once the grantor places an asset into an irrevocable trust, they are then unable to revoke the trust, remove the asset from the trust, or change the list of beneficiaries. In other words, except for in certain rare circumstances that generally require the approval of both the court and the beneficiaries, the grantor permanently loses any legal ownership claims to those assets as soon as the trust is created.

The inability to change an irrevocable trust is one of its main downsides. However, some people will find that the benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks.

What Are the Benefits of an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust offers many advantages when it comes to planning and distributing an estate. These include:

• Taking advantage of the estate tax exemption – Once a property has been transferred to an irrevocable living trust, it is no longer included in the gross value of an estate. This can be particularly helpful for minimizing the tax liability of estates that are very large.
• Spendthrift protections – The grantor of the trust can stipulate specific conditions for when and how the assets should be distributed. For example, a parent may decide that a child who is a beneficiary should not receive the assets until they have reached a certain age, so that the child does not misuse the money they inherit.
• Protection against creditors – Courts generally rule that since beneficiaries are not capable of voluntarily transferring the future rights of the trust to another person, creditors should not be able to confiscate these assets.
• Preserving income – An irrevocable trust allows the grantor to put assets into their trust while simultaneously retaining the income from those assets.
• Protecting asset value – Appreciable assets that are placed into an irrevocable trust are removed from the estate while also giving beneficiaries a step-up basis for purposes of appraising the assets for tax purposes.
• Transferring a home – An irrevocable trust allows you to gift a principal residence to your children under tax rules that are far more favorable to them.
• Protecting life insurance proceeds – You can house a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust as a way of removing the death proceeds from the estate.
• Qualifying for government benefits – Placing a large proportion of your assets into an irrevocable trust can ensure that you are eligible for Social Security income and Medicaid for nursing home care. You can also set up an irrevocable trust for a special needs child in order to keep any assets they inherit from disqualifying them from government benefits.

While these benefits may make an irrevocable trust a great solution for your estate plan, it is important to recognize that setting up this type of trust is a complex process. For this reason, it is important to work with an estate planning attorney who has experience creating irrevocable trusts. You can have the peace of mind that your assets are being managed in a careful manner that is tailored to your family’s specific needs. Contact us today.

Contact an Experienced Dallas Estate Planning Attorney

If you feel that an irrevocable trust is a good option for your estate planning needs, or if you have more questions about how they work, the seasoned Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall are here to help. Our skilled and knowledgeable lawyers have helped many clients create irrevocable trusts to ensure that their families can receive their assets without unreasonable tax burdens. Contact us today for a consultation, and we will let you know what all your estate planning options are. Call us now at 214-691-3411.

Imagining what life will be like for your family after you die is difficult. It is one of the main reasons people put off making an estate plan in the first place. However, the idea that your death may lead to arguments among your heirs over your estate can be a particularly painful thing to think about. It is not uncommon for siblings to argue about who should get what, and due to the emotional memories attached to many possessions, these confrontations can become serious very quickly.

One of the chief purposes of a well-considered will is to prevent the drama that can come about when there are unclear intentions about how assets should be distributed. By communicating with your family and anticipating the kinds of problems that may arise when you are gone, you stand a much better chance of ensuring that your passing does not have any unnecessarily adverse effects on your heirs or their relationships with one another.

If you, or your loved ones are facing questions on how to divide assets, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced legal team at Staubus and Randall today. We’re here to help.

Prioritize the Most Important and Valuable Items

When drafting your will, avoid making it overly long by attempting to list every item in your possession that you want to keep in the family. Instead, create a list of the most valuable and important items, and attach that list to your will.

It might be helpful to have a conversation with the members of your family about the items that each person holds most dear. This can help you to make these decisions and broker compromises if more than one individual wants to inherit the same thing.

You can create this list informally before you collaborate with an attorney to execute your formal will. Alternatively, you can write the attachment afterward. In either instance, while this document does not need a witness, it may be a good idea to have the statement witnessed and dated if you think there is a chance that it might be challenged. Either way, be sure to keep the statement with your will so that it is readily accessible to your executor.

Other Options

If there are valuable items that nobody expresses a particular wish to own, you can direct that these items be sold. For example, if you have a highly valuable piece of art, you can choose to have it auctioned off after your death. The proceeds can then be distributed equally among your heirs.

You can also get appraisals for your items ahead of time so that you can understand their monetary value. This can allow you to stipulate how to distribute the proceeds when high-value items are sold. Alternatively, if one of your heirs expresses a particular desire to have one of these items, you can stipulate that they can buy out those who would be otherwise entitled to a share of it.

One further option would be to employ a lottery system to distribute physical items. The executor of your will can preside over the process, and each heir can draw a number to determine the order in which they will select the items that are available. Contact us today.

Lifetime Gifts

You may also wish to consider giving some of your assets away while you are still alive. Doing so will reduce the amount of work that needs to be done when you are gone. There are a few things to keep in mind when you make gifts to your family:

• Ensure that everyone is aware that you are giving something away and to whom. Otherwise, there may be accusations of theft after your death.
• You have the option of making a “deed of gift” for physical items, which will allow you to maintain possession of them while you are alive.
• Be aware that there may be considerable tax consequences for your heirs if you give away items that appreciate greatly in value.
• Have a conversation with your estate planning attorney so that you can understand all the implications of making gifts during your lifetime.

Speak to a Dallas Estate Planning Attorney Today

Even if you think you are dividing things in a perfectly fair way, there may be unconsidered circumstances that can lead to disagreements. For example, if one of your children has spent a lot of time and resources caring for you later in life, they may feel that they deserve a greater share of the estate than their siblings do.

Speaking with the Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall can help you understand how your individual situation should determine how you divide your assets. We will do everything we can to ensure you have all your bases covered so that your family has clarity about your estate after you have passed. Call us today at 214-691-3411, or reach out online for a consultation about how we can best help you.

Suspecting that someone you trusted is abusing their power of attorney can be the cause of immense emotional anguish. However, power of attorney abuse does happen, and it is important to know how to handle the situation if you believe that someone is behaving unethically toward you or a loved one.

What Is Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney is a legal arrangement that provides a designated Agent to make legal decisions on behalf of another person (the Principal). Sometimes, for example, a particularly busy individual will give power of attorney to their financial planner so that they can sell and buy stocks on their behalf. In other cases, an Agent may be granted power of attorney if an older adult becomes incapacitated in some way.

What Is Power of Attorney Abuse?

Power of attorney abuse occurs when the Agent is not acting in the best interest of the Principal. In many power of attorney abuse cases, the Agent is taking advantage of an older Principal for the Agent’s own financial gain.

Power of attorney abuse can come in the following forms:

• Fraud
• Theft
• Forgery
• Misappropriation
• Self-dealing
• Breach of fiduciary duty

Contesting Power of Attorney

If a family believes that an Agent is taking the Principal’s property for themselves, the family may seek to invalidate the Agent’s power of attorney. Sometimes these cases can be resolved between parties through negotiation or mediation. However, if these methods fail, it may be necessary to go to court.

Proving Power of Attorney Abuse

Agents who have power of attorney are legally obligated to act in and for the best interest of the Principal. For this reason, financial records can usually make it clear when power of attorney abuse has happened because they will demonstrate that the Agent has gained something at the expense of the Principal. As soon as the Agent behaves in a manner that results in their own personal gain rather than that of the Principal, this constitutes a breach of the Agent’s fiduciary duty.

There are several signs that an Agent may be abusing their power of attorney, such as:

• A sudden change in the Principal’s financial position
• An Agent who refuses to share information or records with the Principal
• An Agent who demands that the Principal sign unexplained or unfamiliar documents
• Identity theft, financial exploitation, or fraud

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential that you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to investigate the matter and determine whether there is serious cause for concern. If an estate litigation attorney suspects that power of attorney abuse is occurring, they can send the Agent legal communications that may be enough to bring the abuse to a halt.

Will a Person Who Commits Power of Attorney Abuse Go to Jail?

Power of attorney abuse is considered a civil matter rather than a criminal one. For this reason, those who commit power of attorney abuse generally will not face any criminal charges and will therefore not go to jail.

Mediation, Negotiation, and Civil Court Proceedings

If court proceedings begin in power of attorney abuse cases, they will take place in a civil court. However, most estate litigation attorneys attempt to handle power of attorney abuse cases via mediation or negotiated settlements. This is because they can be resolved more quickly and at a much lower financial cost outside of court. Sometimes, once an Agent is confronted with evidence of power of attorney abuse, they will willingly return financial assets to avoid being taken to court.

If the Agent denies that they have committed power of attorney abuse, civil court proceedings become more likely. These proceedings can be time-consuming and expensive. However, experienced estate litigation attorneys will generally recommend taking a case to civil court if they expect that the assets recovered will exceed the court costs and attorney fees.

Contact an Experienced Estate Litigation Attorney Today

If you believe that you or a loved one may be the victim of power of attorney abuse, the Dallas estate litigation lawyers of Staubus and Randall are here to help. Our experienced legal team has helped many clients across the state of Texas reach favorable outcomes in matters involving power of attorney abuse, fraud, and exploitation. We are ready to do the same for you.

We will fight for your best interests at every step of the process. Contact us for a case evaluation by calling 214-691-3411 today. We look forward to helping you through this difficult time.

Contesting a will is a process that seeks to invalidate the will of a deceased individual.

A will contest is never a straightforward procedure. Only certain individuals have legal standing to contest a will, and they face a complicated set of legal procedures and strict time constraints. Furthermore, some people who have valid reasons to believe that they should contest the will are hesitant to do so for fear that other family members will perceive them as greedy or manipulative.

However, there are instances where genuine grounds to contest a will exist. In these situations, you deserve the opportunity to create a resolution that is fair for everybody involved. If you have pressing questions about your case, don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today.

Who Is Eligible to Contest a Will in Texas?

In order to contest a will, an individual or entity needs to have standing, meaning that the outcome of the will contest will directly affect them. You have standing if you are:

• A named beneficiary in the will
• A named fiduciary in the will (if you represent an entity such as a charity or a bank)
• An intestate heir (someone who is eligible to inherit from the decedent’s estate if a will was not written)

Intestate heirs are determined through a list of kin known as intestate succession. Unmarried partners, friends, or charities are not eligible to be intestate heirs. Contact us today.

Grounds for Contesting a Will in Texas

If you fall into one of the above categories, you are eligible to contest a will in Texas on the following grounds:

• Lack of capacity – Texas law requires that the testator (the person who made the will) have full mental capacity and competency at the time the will was created. If you can prove that the testator lacked capacity due to conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or a mental illness that incapacitated them, the will may be invalidated.
• Revocation – If you can prove that the will was revoked and a subsequent will exists, you can contest the will that has been revoked.
• Undue influence – This is when a testator was compelled or coerced to execute a will under pressure. Often this occurs under the influence of a friend, health care worker, advisor, or relative. It is also frequently the case that undue influence is applied when the testator is functioning with a diminished physical or mental capacity.
• Fraud – If a testator was defrauded into executing a will that does not represent their true wishes, the will could be contested. For example, if one beneficiary told lies about another potential beneficiary with the intention of having that person written out of the will and it worked, this would constitute fraud.
• Undue execution/lack of proper formalities – For a will to be valid in Texas, the will must be signed by the testator or by the testator’s appointed agent, who must sign it in the testator’s presence. Furthermore, two credible witnesses above the age of 14 must attest to the will and sign it in the presence of the testator. If the will is missing any of these requirements, or if it was drafted improperly, it can be contested.
• Mistake – A will can be invalidated if the testator executed it by mistake.

What Are the Time Constraints for Contesting a Will?

In Texas, you have two years to contest a will. This time starts from the date that the will was admitted to probate rather than from the date of the decedent’s death. This time limit is necessary so that the decedent’s estate can be distributed in a timely fashion. Contact us today.

Replacing an Executor

While many will contests focus on changing or adding beneficiaries, sometimes the key issue is the fact that the will’s executor has breached their fiduciary duty and should be replaced.

The fiduciary duties of an executor include:

• Organizing documents and taking an inventory of the decedent’s assets
• Distributing assets
• Distributing property that is not subject to probate
• Managing benefits claims (e.g., life insurance, Social Security)

If the executor has not been organized or ethical in fulfilling these duties, you can move to have them replaced.

Contact an Experienced Contested Will Attorney

If you have reason to believe that there are problems with a loved one’s will, either due to mistakes or foul play, it is important that you have legal representation on your side. The experienced Dallas contested will attorneys of Staubus and Randall have the knowledge and skill necessary to handle the complicated legal processes involved with contesting a will. We will fight for your best interests in court, and we will keep you updated with frank and clear assessments of our progress at every step of the way.

Remember that time is of the essence when contesting a will. Contact us today at 214-691-3411 for a case evaluation.

An estate plan is more than an outline of how you want your assets divided after death. A complete estate plan should include provisions specific to your wishes after death, what medical treatments you want if you fall permanently ill, and who you want to be in charge of making critical medical decisions for you if you are unable to decide for yourself.

One piece of an estate plan that may individuals overlook is a do-not-resuscitate order or DNR. Should you consider adding a DNR to your estate plan or advance directive? At Staubus and Randall, we want you to be well informed about all your options. Here’s what you should know about a DNR. If you have pressing questions about your case, don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today.

What Is a DNR?

A do-not-resuscitate order is a legally binding document signed by a physician that alerts other health care providers they are not to perform resuscitative measures. An active DNR will generally prevent lifesaving measures when a person stops breathing, their heart stops beating, or they suffer a medical emergency.

In Texas, a DNR order prohibits medical personnel from performing CPR, advanced airway management, and artificial ventilation. For a DNR order to be valid, the form must be written and dated by a patient declared competent. Contact us today.

Should You Consider a DNR?

Everyone has the right to make their own decisions related to medical care. In that sense, anyone can decide to obtain a DNR, even healthy individuals. Most healthy individuals don’t contemplate their own mortality often. Therefore, most healthy individuals do not take the time to consider what lifesaving measures they are comfortable with medical professionals taking. However, accidents can happen. If you are in the process of creating an estate plan, you should also consider whether a DNR order may be appropriate for you.

Often, those living with a terminal condition, health care concerns, and those who are elderly are the people who will generally pursue obtaining a DNR. These individuals may have faced challenging medical decisions in the past and want to be fully in control of the outcome of their situation. Additionally, they may not wish to prolong or extend their life through CPR or resuscitative measures when they are already in such fragile conditions.

While CPR can be a lifesaving technique, there are misconceptions about its effectiveness in the elderly and those who are medically vulnerable. One study indicates that among the elderly, only three to five percent of patients survive CPR and are discharged from the hospital. CPR can cause broken bones and other medical complications and may not even be appropriate for some patients, meaning there is no medical benefit for certain people. When a person has gone too long without oxygenated blood, CPR may be effective in resuscitating them. However, the person could be left with brain damage and damage to vital organs, negatively impacting their quality of life.

Obtaining a DNR

If you are interested in obtaining a DNR, schedule a time to talk to your physician. You will want to bring up your concerns and discuss the potential benefits and risks involved in resuscitative efforts. Once you have more information and feel comfortable with your decision, ask your doctor to fill out a DNR form. Your doctor can fill out the DNR order, but standard DNR forms are also available through the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website. Once the forms are completed, your physician will place the DNR in your medical record.

It is also crucial to talk to your family about your wishes. Let them know you have filed a DNR and do not want resuscitative measures taken. Contact us today.

Keep These DNR Facts in Mind

If you have a DNR on file or are thinking about filing one in the future, keep these things in mind:

• If you have a DNR on file, family members cannot override the document
• If you are incapacitated, a health care agent or legal guardian can agree to file a DNR order on your behalf
• If you change your mind, talk to your physician immediately. Your physician must be involved in rescinding a standing DNR order
• A DNR does not change other aspects of medical care

 Contact a Dallas Estate Planning Attorney Today

Looking for more information about DNRs, advance directives, or living wills? Call the Dallas estate and probate litigation lawyers of Staubus and Randall today at 214-691-3411, or contact us online. We can help you manage all aspects of your estate plan and protect the things that are important to you.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences for a family. In addition to grieving their loss, family members and heirs often find that dealing with the business affairs of the deceased person is more complicated than they expected. One concern that comes up frequently is the length of time it will take to go through the process of probating the will. An effective probate process requires a specific series of events to take place. The timeframe also depends on how efficiently each of these steps happens. 

Having clarity about the process can help you understand everything that needs to happen so that things can go as smoothly as possible. Contact us with questions about your specific case.

The Probate Process

The probate process for wills is handled in a court of law. In Dallas County, the Dallas County Probate Court has the jurisdiction to probate the wills of those who have passed away. This court also has the power to declare the heirs if the deceased did not have a will. 

The probate process officially begins when someone files an Application for Probate of Will and for Issuance of Letters Testamentary with the probate court clerk. The person who files these papers is often the person who is named as Executor or Executrix of the will. An attorney can also file on their behalf. The application should include the original will. 

After the application has been filed, the court clerk will then notify the relevant parties of the probate of the will’s estate. There is a requisite time of 10 days so that the court has enough time to notify the public that the will was filed to probate. After, the court will schedule a hearing to admit the will to probate and to issue Letters Testamentary. Once the hearing has occurred, the judge signs an order, and the Executrix or Executor swears an oath that they will lawfully administer their duties. Following the oath, the Executor or Executrix will then receive the Letters Testamentary, which will give them the authority to administer the estate.

Contact us today if you have pressing questions.

Executor or Executrix’s Duties During Probate

With the assistance of a probate attorney, the Executor or Executrix must notify creditors in the newspaper within a month of receiving the Letters Testamentary. They also need to notify known creditors of the issuance of the Letters Testamentary. 

Within 60 days of the court order, the Executor or Executrix is also required to send letters to each of the beneficiaries along with a copy of the will. 

Within 90 days of the order, the Executor or Executrix must also file a sworn affidavit notifying the court that they have completed the notice to the beneficiaries. Also, within 90 days of the court order, the Executor or Executrix must file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims with the court.

If an independent administrator is appointed as Executor or Executrix of the will, they will be able to complete all the other associated duties without the supervision of the court. They must pay due claims and taxes and disburse the deceased assets to beneficiaries according to the terms outlined in the will.

Probate Process Timeframe

If the probate is an independent administration and the estate is simple, the whole probate process can potentially reach completion in six months or less. However, several complicating factors can lengthen the timeframe considerably. If the probate is a dependent administration, the increased supervision and involvement of the court can mean that the process may take up to a year or even longer.

Other situations can also lengthen the timeframe, such as if the original will cannot be located or if beneficiaries or creditors file claims against the estate. Such circumstances will require additional time to resolve. 

How a Dallas Probate Attorney Can Help

Hiring an experienced probate attorney can help you ensure that the probate process goes as smoothly as possible if you are the Executor or Executrix of a will. They can assist and advise you in properly discharging your fiduciary duties and drafting the necessary legal filings and pleadings quickly. 

The Dallas probate lawyers at Staubus and Randall have the knowledge and experience to help you with the various procedures of the Dallas County Probate Court. Our seasoned probate legal team will be there with you at every step to streamline the process and help you see to it that your loved one’s estate is distributed efficiently and correctly. 

Contact us online, or call us for a consultation today at 214-691-3411.

There are many practical, financial, or sentimental reasons people want to leave their homes to their children. No matter your motive for wanting to do so, it is important to have an estate plan that is clear regarding property distribution. A clear estate plan help protect the best interests of both you and your family.

There are different ways of passing your home on to your children, including:

• Selling or gifting it to them while you are still living
• Bequeathing it to them when you die
• Signing a “Transfer-on-Death” deed

There are legal and tax implications for all these options. It’s important to carefully consider the various pros and cons to make sure that your property does not end up becoming a burden for your children.

Below is a breakdown of each of the various options. Feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

Selling Your Home to Your Children

As a parent, you have the right to sell your home to your children. However, it is important that you sell at a fair market value. This means that you should sell the house at a comparable value to what similar properties are selling for in the current market. Selling the home below market value will make the exchange partially a gift, which will have its own tax implications.

You have the option to loan money to your children so that they can purchase the home, but the law will require you to charge your kids interest. Furthermore, you’ll have to declare the interest you earn as income. However, one benefit of doing this is that you can structure the loan to provide a minimum interest rate. This is calculated by the IRS, which publishes its rates for loans between relatives on a monthly basis. These rates tend to be considerably lower than commercial mortgage rates, so their monthly payments will be significantly lower as well. If you have pressing questions about your case, reach out to the estate planning professionals at Staubus and Randall.

Gifting the Property to Your Children

If you would like to give the property to your children while you are still living, one option is to use an irrevocable trust. This can help in protecting against your kids’ potential creditors. Gifting a property outright can be problematic if the recipient gets into financial trouble at some point down the line. For example, if the child has to file for bankruptcy, the property could be foreclosed and removed from the family’s ownership.

For this reason, many people consider it a better option to transfer the home after they pass away.

Bequeathing Your Property When You Pass Away

An effective means of passing your property to your children at the time of your death is to do so through a revocable living trust. This will permit you to name your kids as successor trustees, which allows for a continuity of property management. You can change revocable living trusts during your lifetime, which gives you the option of changing your mind. It also allows you to be specific about how the property should be handled after you pass.

In the event that your children do not want to live in and manage the home, the trust can sell it after you pass. If one of your children wants to keep the house, but the others don’t, you can make a compensatory equitable financial arrangement, such as leaving extra money to the child who won’t inherit the property.

Deed Transfer

The state of Texas allows homeowners to sign a Transfer-on-Death deed. This works similarly to “payable-on-death” designations for transferring assets from your bank accounts to your heirs. Transfer-on-Death deeds can be helpful in that they can avoid probate on the home. You can change the designation at any point before you pass away.

You are permitted to sign a Transfer-on-Death deed for any property you own in Texas, even if it is not your permanent residence.

Call an Experienced Dallas Estate Planning Attorney Today

Whichever option you choose for passing on your home, the process can be very complicated. The Dallas estate planning lawyers at Staubus and Randall have the knowledge and experience necessary to help guide you through these complexities. Whether you are having trouble deciding which path is best for you and your family, or if you are feeling confused about the required paperwork, we are here to help you at every step of the way in this important decision. Contact a member of our legal team today at 214-691-3411, and we will discuss all of your options. Let us put our experience to work for you.

One of the most common myths about estate planning is it’s only for the terminally ill or wealthy. However, anyone of any age could benefit from creating an estate plan. Even if you don’t have high-value assets or children, executing a will, trust, and other legal documents can protect your interests and your family’s future.

There isn’t a magic age when making an estate plan is necessary. You can begin right now. Execute your estate plan to protect your loved ones and take care of them even when you’re gone. To discuss your estate planning options, contact us today.

Documents Included in an Estate Plan

Many people picture millionaires with sprawling property, expensive jewelry, and fancy cars when they think of estate planning. However, an estate plan isn’t as extravagant as it sounds. It can provide security during a person’s life and after their death.

You can execute various documents while planning your estate. If you have questions regarding your estate planning, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Last Will and Testament

A will outlines a person’s final wishes and instructs an executor or administrator on how to administer the estate. A will can also determine which people should take on specific responsibilities, such as:

• Managing your estate plan
• Caring for minor children
• Selling or taking ownership of property
• Receiving assets

It’s critical to designate your beneficiaries and update the beneficiary designations in your will regularly. If there’s a death or birth in the family, you might want to change who you leave your assets to upon your death.

Your dependents should be named beneficiaries on bank accounts, so the funds transfer automatically when you die. You can also choose who you want to receive your retirement plan, real estate, personal belongings, and other property.

A living will might also be a good option if you want to instruct your loved ones on medical care should you become incapacitated. For example, if you suffer a coma from a car accident, your living will can outline your decisions regarding extraordinary life-saving measures and medical care. If you have a living will, your family can direct your medical team on what you want and don’t want when you can’t speak for yourself.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) can serve multiple functions, including:

• Making medical decisions upon your incapacitation
• Handling your legal matters
• Managing your finances

When you create a POA, it’s vital to grant someone the authority to handle your affairs. You can execute a general power of attorney, allowing the chosen agent to manage various matters or create separate POAs to protect your medical, financial, and legal interests.

The three main types of POAs include:

• Medical POA – A medical POA gives the agent authority over crucial medical decisions if you’re unconscious, incompetent, or otherwise unable to speak for yourself. They can talk to your doctors about medications you avoid, surgical procedures you want, and have input on other medical services.
• Financial POA – With a financial POA, your agent can make decisions regarding your finances if the circumstances prevent you from doing it yourself. For example, if you’re in a different country for a significant period, you can give your agent authority over necessary decisions in your absence.
• General POA – A general POA is a broad document allowing the agent to manage a range of decisions, including those involving business operations, financial transactions, life insurance purchases, and gift contributions.

Trust

A grantor can set up a trust and transfer assets to be held in the trust until their death. Upon their death, the assets can be distributed to the named beneficiary without probate. Trusts are beneficial in estate planning because beneficiaries can receive the assets left to them without going through a time-consuming court process.

The appointed trustee is responsible for managing the account and transferring property when the grantor dies. If you set up a trust, you should choose a trustee you know will follow your instructions. It should be someone who will ensure that your beneficiaries receive your assets instead of transferring them to themselves for personal gain.

Common Life Events for Estate Planning

Significant events in life often spark a person’s interest in creating an estate plan. The most common include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Buying a home
• Birth of a baby
• Acquiring new or high-value assets
• Starting a new career
• Opening a business
• Death of a family member
• Receiving an inheritance

Maybe something in your life happened to make you think about estate planning. If you already have a plan in place, you might have to make changes depending on the new circumstances. For example, if your named beneficiary dies, you need to amend the document and pick a new beneficiary.

Contact Us

Staubus and Randall believes in helping our clients secure their futures and protect their interests. When you’re creating an estate plan, you want to ensure that your loved ones receive specific assets and won’t face the burden of making important decisions on your behalf when you die.

Call Staubus and Randall at 214-691-3411 right now, or reach out online to schedule a consultation with one of our Dallas estate planning attorneys. You can discuss your needs with us, and our legal team will help you execute an estate plan that benefits you and your family.

Estate planning is necessary for anyone regardless of age, health status, and economic standing. It’s especially crucial to create a valid estate plan if any of your beneficiaries have special needs. Without a carefully drafted will, trust, or other legal documents, your dependent family member’s future isn’t secure.

If you die without a valid estate plan, you leave your dependent special needs adults without the financial means to afford their care. They might not be able to pay for medical treatment, household assistance, and other necessary expenses. If they depended on someone their whole life and that person dies, they’re left alone to fend for themselves.

You should create an estate plan specifically for the dependent adults in your life. If you’re their primary caretaker or pay for their nursing home bills, you should set aside funds and execute a will, so they continue receiving the care they need when you’re gone.

Below are tips you should follow for creating an estate plan for special needs adults. Contact us immediately if you have pressing questions. We have the experience you need.

Write a Letter of Intent

A letter of intent notifies your guardians, trustees, and other people involved in the estate about the care of your disabled or incompetent family member. You can outline this person’s routine, physical or mental impairments, interests, hobbies, medical needs, and other crucial details in this letter.

This isn’t a legal document. However, it’s valuable to any estate plan involving a special needs adult beneficiary. You should draft the letter immediately and regularly update it as your loved one’s needs change. It’s also important to have a conversation with anyone you address in the letter to discuss how they should handle these circumstances when you die.

Create a Trust

Dependent adults typically don’t have the ability to maintain employment. They need someone else to pay for their household assistance, prescriptions, medical treatment, and other costs. You could set up a Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) for the special needs adult in your life.

An SNT is a special trust you can use to transfer and hold assets for the benefit of your loved one and to cover their needs. Like a trust for a minor child, funds can go toward the adult’s care. Additionally, an SNT doesn’t prevent a special needs adult from qualifying for government assistance programs, such as Medicaid. If you have particular questions regarding your situation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Appoint an Executor of the Estate

If you don’t choose someone to manage your estate when you pass away, the court could appoint an executor for you. That means someone in your family you wouldn’t want to have control of your assets could become your executor. It’s vital to choose an executor while creating your estate plan and mention them by name in the legal document. Specifically indicate that they should be in charge of administering your estate upon your death.

Your family member in need of care should receive the assets, assistance, funds, and anything else you leave for them. Discuss your decision with the executor ahead of time, so they understand the situation. You should pick someone you trust to carry out your wishes and keep the dependent adult’s interests in mind.

Choose a Power of Attorney

You might not realize the benefits of choosing a power of attorney (POA) during estate planning. An estate plan isn’t only necessary while planning for death. It should also include instructions on how to handle your incapacitation.

Let’s say you sustain a traumatic brain injury in a car accident and can’t speak for yourself. Your POA can step in and direct your healthcare team. Depending on your estate plan, they might also have access to certain assets while you’re incapacitated.

Your special needs adult child, parent, or family member won’t have someone to take care of them while you’re lying in a hospital bed. Your POA could take over temporarily by directing funds from your bank account to your loved one’s assisted living facility, medical providers, and other parties. They can become the caretaker while you recover.

Schedule a Family Meeting

Although you can leave instructions or letters in your estate plan for your surviving family, it’s best to also have open and honest communication in advance. Inform your family of your decisions regarding the dependent adult’s future.

You should discuss your plans for future care, financial support, and other important matters. If you choose an executor, talk to them about how you want them to manage your estate when you die and if you should become incapacitated. Proper planning ensures that everyone is on the same page and might prevent disputes down the road.

Contact Us

The Dallas estate planning attorneys of Staubus and Randall have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We bring extensive knowledge and skill to every case we take. When we represent you during your legal matter, you can rest assured that you’re in qualified and capable hands.

If you want to draft an estate plan to make provisions for the special needs adult you care for, do not hesitate to contact us at 214-691-3411. We have the experience you need and will be happy to meet with you for a consultation to discuss your needs.

You may not have thought about placing your assets in a trust. It might seem too complicated, or you may think it’s just not necessary at this time. And thinking about a trust also means thinking about not being around anymore, and that’s never pleasant. But there are some good reasons to consider seeing an estate planner and discussing the pros and cons of putting your assets in a trust.

If you have pressing questions for our attorneys, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

What Is a Trust?

Very simply, a trust is a big box where you can store your assets until you’re ready to give them to someone else. Unlike a will, which is a list of directions for giving away your things, a trust is more like a gift you give to others when you’re gone.

Once you place items in the trust, your assets will stay there until you take them back out again. In an irrevocable or unbreakable trust, nobody can take them out. They are there until you die, and they are given to the beneficiary. In a revocable trust, you can take things out, but the beneficiary cannot. In some cases, you or the beneficiary may receive payments from the trust, like stock dividend payments.

A trust lets you control who has access to your property, and when. Trusts also allow you to disburse some of your assets before you die and to provide for minor children or for disabled or special needs family members who may not be able to manage their own funds. Your estate planner will discuss the benefits of a trust with you. Contact us today.

Four Reasons To Establish Your Trust

You may think you don’t need a trust, but consider these benefits:

• Control of your assets. The trust does not exist until it is made, but after that, the trustee has total control over the trust. You will be able to manage where your assets go, who has control of them, and when they are dispersed. For instance, if you want a trustee to handle your children’s finances until they are out of college, the trust structure provides the way for them to do that. Your children remain the beneficiaries and can receive payments from the trust.
• Avoids probate. A trust goes into effect immediately upon the death of the grantor (you). At this point, the trust becomes irrevocable, and nothing can be changed, so there is no need for a judge to make any decisions about interpretation. The trustee can make any distributions needed and manage the other trust property as before.
• Provide for minor, disabled, or spendthrift beneficiaries. By designating certain assets ahead of time for beneficiaries who will need a designated trustee, you can ensure these individuals are properly cared for. If you have beneficiaries whose access you want to restrict, there are ways to prevent them from receiving too much money at once.
• Protection in case of disability. Living to extreme old age in good condition is no longer an impossibility, but assisted living facilities are not cheap. Placing your assets in a trust today can be a way to ensure you have the funds you need to live your twilight years in comfort rather than squalor.

Special Considerations

In some situations, you should always have trust arrangements in place. If you have a special needs child who is unable to live outside the home, long-term financial planning is a must. Someday you will not be there for your child, and you do not want to leave them to the kindness of strangers.

This is also true if you have a family history of any mental or physical degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. The worst that could happen is that you reach healthy old age with extra money in your trust.

How We Can Help

There is no wrong time to make your estate plan. If you have concerns about your future, you should start thinking about how you want to have your property managed when you are not here to do it. Financial planning is the best way to be sure your loved ones are cared for if you are not here to look after them.

Anyone can establish a trust, provided they have something to put into it. You don’t need to be wealthy or have lots of property to have a trust. If you want to discuss your estate plan, contact the Dallas estate planning lawyers of Staubus and Randall at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation to talk about your assets and the right kind of trust for you and your family. We have the experience you need.

Estate planning can be uncomfortable. Nobody wants to contemplate their own demise. At the same time, you want your loved ones to be provided for after you die and for your estate to be properly distributed when you’re not there to oversee the distribution. And, having worked very hard to reach this point, you don’t want your estate to be frittered away by taxes and fees.

The solution may be a trust. Contact the estate planning lawyers at Staubus and Randall to learn how.

Irrevocable Trusts and Inheritance Tax

Of course, you will not be paying any inheritance or estate taxes. That duty will fall to your heirs and beneficiaries. The purpose of estate planning is to minimize the amount of taxes that need to be paid out from your estate. Your estate planner will explain how your estate is valued in more detail, but there are some things you need to know going into a planning session.

• Inheritance tax. This is a tax heirs must pay for the income they receive from the deceased. The state of Texas abolished inheritance tax in 2015. The inheritance tax is levied against the beneficiaries on the value of the portion of the estate they receive once they inherit.
• Estate tax. Texas has no estate tax. The federal government taxes large estates valued at $11.7 million or higher. The value of the estate is determined prior to the beneficiaries taking their share; in other words, before it has been divided.
• Revocable trust. These trusts allow you, the grantor, to move property in and out of the trust at will during your lifetime. Property in a revocable trust will be valued as part of the estate when it is reassessed following your death.
• Irrevocable trust. When property is placed in an irrevocable trust, it cannot be removed until after you die. This means that when your estate is valued, anything in an irrevocable trust will not be included by the IRS.
• Pour-over will. This type of will automatically transfers all of your current assets into your trust when you die, without the need for further action by your executor.

Estate planning to ensure that your heirs and beneficiaries can keep the largest portion of their inheritance can be a complex affair. Making things more complicated is the changing estate tax exemption. To keep pace with inflation and cost of living, the IRS adjusts the estate tax exemption annually according to a preset cap. This will change again in 2025.

If this sounds complicated, it is. Get in touch with us today and let us help you simplify the process.

Out of State Considerations

In our global community, it is not uncommon for people to have property, both tangible and intangible, in other states, possibly even other countries. Even with a properly managed trust, this other property may be subject to the estate and inheritance tax laws of that state. For instance, although Texas does not have an inheritance tax, Maryland does. Any property owned and transferred in Maryland will be governed by Maryland’s tax laws.

Your Dallas estate planning attorney can guide you through these complex regulations and make sure your wishes are properly stated in your trust. If there are conflicting laws in other states, it is better to discover them ahead of time than to have your heirs find out about them later.

How We Can Help

Anyone with an estate below $75,000 in Texas does not even need to leave a will. Their estate can be managed by the heirs with a simple acknowledgment to the court. If you have real property and large amounts of money and personal property that you want your loved ones to be able to keep after you are gone, you should have solid legal advice and estate planning, rather than trusting to the whims of fate.

The expert legal team at Staubus and Randall focuses exclusively on the details of estate planning and litigation. We want to be sure that people with even modest estates avoid costly legal battles and endless probate, and hand their property over to their heirs with a minimum of effort.

Our Dallas estate planning lawyers will review your assets and advise you about the best ways to protect them and your heirs and beneficiaries, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, living trusts, and pour-over wills. We will make certain that your final documents accurately reflect your wishes and desires in clear and concise terms.

We have been practicing estate and probate law in the Dallas area for many years. Contact the of Staubus and Randall at 214-691-3411 if you want to draft your will, need help with your estate planning, or have any other questions about property disposition. If you already have these documents and want help with amendments or codicils, we can work with you on those too.

Call us for a confidential consultation today.

Common misconceptions regarding estate plans might prevent someone from planning for the unexpected. Drafting a will is vital to protect your assets and loved ones, even if you’re young and in good health. You might not think estate planning is necessary. However, it could give you peace of mind if a significant event disrupts your life or cuts it short. 

Most people believe they don’t have to create an estate plan until they’re old or develop a terminal disease. Some people don’t realize the benefits until an accident or near-death experience happens in their lives. Others never create a will and pass away unexpectedly, leaving their family struggling to recover their assets. 

If you don’t have an estate plan or haven’t updated yours in a while, you should consider contacting Staubus and Randall to take immediate action. Planning for death may seem like a morbid experience but it can help you secure your family’s future. Creating a valid estate plan is particularly crucial if you have kids and want them cared for when you’re gone. 

Additionally, estate planning isn’t only about what should happen when you die. You can also outline instructions regarding your healthcare if you become incapacitated and can’t make decisions. With the proper legal documents in place, a trusted family member could step in and speak on your behalf.

Below are some common myths about estate planning you should ignore.

MYTH: An Estate Plan Is Only Necessary for Sick and Old People

A common misconception about estate planning is it doesn’t need to happen unless you’re elderly or have received the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness.

However, anyone could lose their life or suffer a debilitating condition, leaving them without the ability to communicate. If you don’t have legal documents in place to instruct others about your wishes, the people you love could face financial hardships and struggle to make the decisions you want.

The truth is that you’re never too young to create an estate plan. Even if you don’t have assets, you might have a pet or kids. It is essential to leave instructions about who should take care of them if you can’t. Otherwise, your children could end up in foster care, and your pets could get dropped off at a shelter.

Whether you have many or only a few assets, your estate plan can direct how they should be distributed. You can include beneficiaries in your will, so they receive things like your bank account, house, or car when you pass away.

If you have pressing questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

MYTH: Wealthy Individuals Benefit More from Estate Planning

While wealthy people require estate plans to ensure that their high-value assets stay protected, others need one too. It doesn’t matter if you’re not rich or only have one or two assets in your name. You can’t control who receives the funds in your savings account or personal property if you don’t include it in a will or a trust.

Estate plans can involve more than just money and significant assets. You might have family heirlooms you want to pass down when you’re gone. Creating documentation that specifies who should receive certain items could prevent family disputes. If you don’t inform others of what you want, property can go missing, and family members can take each other to court for possession of what they believe they deserve.

MYTH: Estate Planning Is for Death

An estate plan doesn’t only address matters involving a person’s death. It can also be helpful in situations that occur while someone is still alive. Although you might not worry about the possibility of a traumatic life event, anything can happen.

When you create a will, you can designate an executor or administrator to manage your estate and distribute property according to your wishes upon your death. However, a range of other legal documents can protect your interests if you’re no longer competent.

For example, a medical power of attorney gives someone you appoint the authority to make your healthcare decisions when you’re incapacitated. If you create a financial power of attorney, your designated agent can handle your finances if you’re forced to leave the country for an extended period or end up in the hospital.

You can take additional measures to ensure someone is responsible for managing your children’s needs while you’re incapacitated. You can choose a guardian to assume the role of caregiver and set aside funds they can use for your child’s medical care, education, and basic needs.

Contact Staubus and Randall

Since 1992, the Dallas estate planning lawyers of Staubus and Randall have provided clients with dependable legal services. We know how to create comprehensive estate plans to protect your rights and your family’s future. You can count on our legal team to dedicate the necessary time and resources to plan and execute a valid will and other valuable documents for you.

If you’re considering creating an estate plan, call Staubus and Randall right now at 214-691-3411. You can discuss your needs with us during a consultation and learn about the available options.

A medical power of attorney (POA) is a legal document you create while you’re making your estate plan. This document gives someone the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare when you can no longer make those decisions for yourself. The person you appoint as your medical POA could instruct your medical team about treatment you don’t want, medications you prefer, and end-of-life care.

A medical POA should be someone you trust completely and who you know will fulfill their obligations and carry out your wishes. Even if they disagree with your decisions, they should be willing to carry out the plans you choose if you become incapacitated and can no longer speak for yourself. When you can’t discuss your medical needs and wants, they are your voice.

Many people choose to create a durable medical power of attorney. A durable POA allows your agent to act on your behalf if something happens to you, preventing you from making your own decisions. Some courts assume a medical POA is durable, but you should explicitly state that in the legal document.

Elements of a Medical Power of Attorney

Medical POAs can also be referred to as:

• Advance directive
• Medical power of attorney directive
• Advance healthcare directive
• Power of attorney for healthcare

A medical POA focuses on medical decisions. You should write one according to state law. If you make an error or don’t include the necessary signatures, someone could challenge its validity in court.

Most people think they don’t need a medical POA unless they develop a terminal illness or physically disabling condition. However, this directive can be useful in many situations. For example, if you’re in a car accident and end up in a coma, you can’t communicate your wishes to your doctors. Your medical POA can step in and direct your healthcare team.

A person who’s been given your medical power of attorney can make decisions regarding:

• End-of-life care
• Blood transfusions
• Do not resuscitate (DNR) order
• Medical supplies and devices
• Medical facilities and providers
• Organ and tissue donation
• Home health care
• Surgical procedures
• Diagnostic testing
• Medications
• Long-term care facilities

Your medical POA can also access your medical records if necessary. Sometimes, reviewing this information can help make informed decisions about your care.

When Your Medical Power of Attorney Takes Effect

A medical POA becomes effective when you become incapacitated. You can also include instructions in your estate plan regarding specific events that authorize your POA to take over your healthcare needs. Examples include:

• An accident puts you in a coma or unconscious state
• You are under general anesthesia
• A doctor diagnoses you with dementia or another disease that interferes with your ability to make good decisions
• A medical condition, such as a stroke, causes communication issues
• You have a lapse in mental health, resulting in incompetence

Your medical power of attorney can take effect whenever you choose. However, it typically becomes effective upon incapacitation. A doctor must confirm your condition in a written letter or in your medical records.

Choosing Your Medical POA

When creating an estate plan, you should carefully choose a medical power of attorney. The person you appoint must be a competent adult at least 18 years old. Minors can’t act as anyone’s POA.

You should also consider these characteristics when deciding whom you want to designate:

• Remains calm in a tense situation
• Communicates with family members regularly
• Makes quick decisions regarding treatment and other necessary choices
• Asks questions if confused about treatment options
• Feels comfortable making vital decisions on the spot
• Knows how to take control and instruct healthcare professionals confidently
• Follows through with your directives regardless of personal opinions

Whoever you choose, it should be someone you know will keep your best interests in mind and follow all instructions you provide. If you can’t trust the person you pick, they shouldn’t be your medical POA.

How to Create a Medical Power of Attorney

Creating a valid and enforceable medical POA requires following these steps:

• Determine whether you need a medical POA – If you want control over your healthcare decisions, you should designate a medical power of attorney. Without one, your doctors can make the decisions they believe are best while caring for you. That could result in extraordinary measures to keep you alive when that’s something you don’t want.
• Pick a dependable agent – You should only choose a medical POA you know you can rely on to make the decisions you want to be made. An emotional or irrational family member might choose medical options that aren’t in line with your wishes.
• Complete the paperwork – You have to fill out several different forms to establish a medical power of attorney. It’s only valid if you sign it in front of a notary public or two witnesses.

Contact Us

Staubus and Randall has a team of estate planning lawyers with over 100 years of combined legal experience. We assist Dallas clients with cases involving wills, trust, powers of attorney, and additional elements of estate plans. You can count on us to meet your needs and protect your future.

If you want to create a medical power of attorney for your estate plan, do not hesitate to contact Staubus and Randall. One of our Dallas estate planning lawyers can meet you for a consultation to discuss what we can do for you. Call now at 214-691-3411.

If you are the executor of a will or you’re trying to determine what happens to a family member’s assets after their passing, you may be asking yourself whether you need to hire a lawyer to help you with this process. The probate process can be complex, depending on your situation and the size of the estate, and it’s important to have guidance from an experienced team of attorneys.

The Dallas Estate Litigation Lawyers from Staubus and Randall can support you through the entire process, relieving you of the stress that comes with managing a family member’s estate.

What Does a Probate Attorney Do?

A probate lawyer specializes in estates and legal issues regarding probate. Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s belongings are transferred to family members or other beneficiaries after death. A will that directs how the estate should be distributed makes the process simpler. If the person died without a will, some of the property may need to go through the probate process in order to finalize the estate.

A probate attorney can assist with some of the following tasks related to management and finalization of an estate:

• Reviewing wills
• Distributing real estate and other property to beneficiaries
• Paying taxes
• Resolving life insurance issues
• Cataloging assets of the estate
• Appraising the value of real estate
• Settling disputes with family members or other beneficiaries
• Paying debts owed by an estate
• Filing documents with the probate court

The probate process includes many steps and deadlines, with a lot of paperwork and legal terms to understand. It could be a simple process or it could go on for a very long time.

An experienced probate attorney can help guide you through the probate process and can make sure you don’t miss an important step that could be costly later on. In the case of a dispute, a knowledgeable probate lawyer is essential. In a difficult and emotional time like this, it’s crucial to have an experienced professional who can provide the support you need.

Why Hire Staubus and Randall?

The probate attorneys at Staubus and Randall have been handling the estate needs of Texas clients for decades. Our firm specializes in estate litigation, guardianship, trust planning and trust litigation, and we excel in estate planning and asset protection.

We have many years of probate courtroom experience, and we have a record of success with high-stakes will contests and complex dispute resolution, as well as routine probate matters and estate administration. Staubus and Randall has achieved an AV rating, the highest legal rating from the law firm rating service Martindale-Hubbell.

What Property Doesn’t Need to Go Through Probate?

Property that was owned solely by the decedent or accounts in that person’s name only may need to go through the probate process in order to transfer to family members. Not all assets must go through the probate process, however. You may be able to avoid the probate process for the following types of assets:

• Retirement accounts, such as an IRA or 401(k), with a named beneficiary
• Wages or salary owed to the decedent
• Property in a living trust
• U.S. savings bonds that are co-owned
• Distributions from a pension plan
• Proceeds from a life insurance policy
• Vehicles with a transfer-on-death registration

Your probate attorney can review all of the assets in question and help you determine whether they need to go through probate. The assets may qualify for “small estate” procedures that avoid probate.

Are There Drawbacks to Doing Probate Without a Lawyer?

It is possible to probate an estate without hiring a probate lawyer. If the estate is simple, and many of the assets don’t need to go through the probate process, an attorney may not be required. However, debt payment, taxes, and asset distribution are all complicated processes on their own. Hiring an experienced probate lawyer like the ones at Staubus and Randall means that you can be sure that all the details are covered.

If the estate involves a business, commercial real estate, or is particularly valuable, a probate lawyer is a must. The State of Texas requires full court supervision for estates valued at over $75,000, and in most cases, you will need an attorney for this type of case. If there are disputes among family members regarding the estate, you will need a skilled lawyer.

Talk to a Dallas Probate Lawyer Right Away

Managing a will or an estate can be a complicated and arduous ordeal, even more so if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. The Dallas estate litigation attorneys of Staubus and Randall have many years of experience in estate planning and asset protection. We have helped hundreds of satisfied clients with their estate planning and litigation needs and we can make the probate process as stress-free and simple as possible for you too. Call us today at 214-691-3411 or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.

If you are in the process of writing your will or trying to determine how the property of a family member will be handled after their death, you may have encountered the term probate. Probate is the legal process by which a person’s estate, their property and possessions, are handled after they pass on.

In the probate process, a court officially recognizes a person’s death and determines how their assets are distributed among family members and other beneficiaries. If the deceased left a will to direct where their property should go, the procedure may be simpler. Some items do not have to go through probate, but others, especially those lacking titles or not named in the will, may have to go through this process.

How Does the Probate Process Work?

The probate process can be daunting to those without experience, but the good news is that compared to other states, probate in the State of Texas is relatively simple. The Texas probate process can be broken down into several steps:

1. Filing with the probate court – An application for probate is filed with the proper probate court for the county where the deceased was a resident.
2. Posting notice – Before a hearing is held regarding a probate application, there is a ten-day waiting period to allow for anyone to contest the will or the administration of the estate.
3. Hearing and validation – After the waiting period, there will be a hearing and the probate judge will ensure that the will is valid or verify that the deceased did not leave a will. The judge will then appoint an administrator for the estate or will verify that the executor is valid.
4. Inventory of assets – Within 90 days of the appointment of an administrator or executor, that person must compile a list of all the assets held by the estate and file it with the county clerk, in the form of a report known as an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims. This report lists the estate’s assets as well as a reasonably accurate estimation of their value as of the deceased’s passing.
5. Notify beneficiaries – If the deceased left a will, the executor must notify the beneficiaries of the estate. If there was no will, the probate court must determine heirship. In the case of unknown potential heirs, it may be necessary to post notices in newspapers and at the courthouse.
6. Notice to creditors – The deceased may have unresolved debts, also known as liabilities—hospital bills, house or car payments, or other major expenses. The executor must notify creditors of the person’s death and allow them the opportunity to make a claim against the estate.
7. Dispute resolution – If family members or potential beneficiaries wish to contest the will, the probate court must hold a hearing before finalizing the estate.
8. Distribution of Assets – Once any disputes are resolved and the estate has been finalized, the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.

Probate can be quite a lengthy process, and there are a lot of deadlines to stay on top of and paperwork to submit. An experienced probate attorney can help you through these steps and advise you on the best strategy along the way. If you are involved in an estate probate or dispute and are not sure whether you need the help of a probate lawyer, contact Staubus and Randall to set up a consultation about your case.

Common Terms Related to Probate

The probate process contains specialized legal vocabulary and concepts that you may find confusing if you’ve never experienced them. Here are a few commonly used terms.

• Administrator – When a person dies without a will and an executor hasn’t been named, Texas law requires that an administrator be appointed to manage the estate.
• Assets – Property with a monetary value held by an estate. Real estate, vehicles, clothing, jewelry, bank accounts, cash, and furnishings would all be considered assets.
• Beneficiaries – These are the recipients of the property distributed from an estate, whether family members, friends, or organizations.
• Decedent/Deceased – These terms refer to the person who has died.
• Estate – The assets that belonged to the deceased person are collectively known as the estate.
• Intestate – This term refers to an estate whose owner died without a will. A probate court must determine how to distribute the assets of such an estate.

An estate litigation lawyer from Staubus and Randall can explain any confusing terminology and answer any questions relating to your own probate case.

Speak with a Texas Probate Attorney Today

Managing your family’s affairs after the death of someone close is hard enough without all the extra strain of sorting out their estate. The probate process can be complicated, and mistakes could potentially be costly. You need a knowledgeable estate lawyer who can guide you through this process efficiently and with a minimum of stress.

The Dallas estate planning and litigation attorneys of Staubus and Randall have experience helping hundreds of clients with their estate, trust planning, trust litigation, and guardianship needs. We will be with you every step of the way to offer support and answer any questions you might have.

Call us today at 214-691-3411 or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.

Most people want to take care of their family even after they’re gone. Creating a last will and testament can make sure that your assets pass to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death. That way, there won’t be any confusion about what assets you intended to go to which person.

Drafting a last and will and testament isn’t as complicated as you might think. If you want peace of mind knowing there won’t be any confusion about what happens to your property after you pass away, you should hire an estate planning lawyer and begin the process of creating a will today.

Every part of an estate plan has its advantages and disadvantages. A will is no different. There are pros and cons you should consider if you’re thinking about setting up a will.

Pros of Having a Will

The advantages of creating a last will and testament include the ability to:

• Distribute assets how you want – Any property you leave behind will transfer to your named beneficiaries. If you don’t create a will or choose beneficiaries for your estate, the assets will likely be distributed by intestate succession. That means specific heirs will receive your assets according to state law. Creating a will allows you to control who gets what, so you can avoid family disputes.
• Choose a guardian – If you have minor children, you can choose a guardian to assume their care after you pass away. When you draft a will, you can name a guardian and set aside money for them to use to provide for your children. A guardian prevents the child from ending up in foster care or with a family member you don’t want to entrust your children to.
• Appoint an executor – You can choose an executor to manage your assets according to your will when you’re gone. The executor is an individual who handles all aspects of the will by paying debts, distributing assets according to the deceased’s wishes, and closing the estate properly. You don’t have to worry whether your surviving family will honor your wishes when you have a trusted executor to manage your estate on your behalf.
• Create a plan for your pets – Pets are like family to most people. Whether you have a dog, cat, hamster, or lizard, you probably want to know they’ll end up in a loving home when you die. You can use your will to indicate who you want to assume care of your pet upon your death. You can also set money aside so the guardian you choose can pay for food, toys, vet appointments, and other necessities.

Cons of Having a Will

Although a will is beneficial for most people during estate planning, it can also create some challenges. The most common disadvantages of having a last will and testament include:

• It’s public – Once a will enters probate, it becomes a public record. That means anyone can search online for the legal documents and find out the assets you owned when you died. If an estranged relative isn’t included in your will, they could pursue legal action, delaying the process of distributing your assets to your chosen beneficiaries.
• Time-consuming probate – Your estate will likely have to go through probate after you die. That means your loved ones can face a lengthy process to get the court to validate the will so they can receive the assets you left them.
• Incapacitation doesn’t apply – You can’t use a will to appoint someone to take care of your medical, legal, and financial matters if you become incapacitated and can’t make your own decisions. A will only becomes effective upon your death.
• Court procedures in multiple states – Unfortunately, your beneficiaries can’t go through the probate process just one time if you have property in other states. They must submit your will for probate in each state where you own assets.

Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer from Staubus and Randall

At Staubus and Randall, we have over 100 years of combined experience helping our clients with their estate planning. We will use our resources and personalize our services to meet your specific needs. When you hire us, we can review the circumstances of your estate and draft a will that can protect your assets and family.

You should not attempt to create an estate plan on your own. The option might seem appealing because it saves you money, but you could open yourself up to serious problems down the road. If you don’t draft the documents correctly, your will could be invalid, allowing relatives to sue your heirs for the assets you left behind. Additionally, a poorly drafted estate plan can cause confusion about your final wishes.

If you want to create a last will and testament, do not hesitate to contact Staubus and Randall at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation with one of our Texas estate planning lawyers.

You should consider all available options when creating an estate plan. A living trust can protect your assets while you’re alive and the trust can transfer automatically to named beneficiaries upon your death or incapacitation. It’s a valuable part of estate planning to ensure your loved ones receive the property you want them to have if something happens to you.

A living trust differs from a will because it doesn’t become effective when you die. It’s effective from the moment you create it while you’re still alive.

You can also appoint yourself as the trustee so you can continue to manage it throughout your lifetime. You can determine which assets you want to be held in trust and amend the legal document when necessary. For example, you might choose a beneficiary to receive a specific property but need to change the designation if they pass away before you.

There are multiple advantages and disadvantages to creating a living trust. You should consult an experienced estate planning lawyer to determine whether a living trust is right for you. Below are the pros and cons of establishing a trust for your estate plan so you can decide whether it will satisfy your wishes.

Pros of a Living Trust

You could benefit from a living trust in multiple ways. Some of the advantages of creating one include:

• Asset protection if you’re incapacitated – If you become incapacitated and can’t make decisions for yourself, a living trust can keep your assets safe. It also protects your beneficiaries. Appointing a successor trustee allows that person to control the trust and distribute your property according to the instructions you included in the legal document.
• Avoid probate – You could avoid probate by creating a revocable living trust. Probate can be a long process. When a loved one dies, you must go through probate court for a judge to validate the will and allow for the distribution of the assets. A living trust doesn’t have to go through probate, so your successor trustee can automatically transfer the assets to your intended beneficiaries upon your death.
• Maintain privacy – Any part of an estate plan that must go through probate becomes a matter of public record. That means anyone could search online for the documents and find out what assets your relative left behind. If there’s a living trust, which does not go through probate, your named beneficiaries can keep the matter private, so no one knows which property they’re receiving.
• Prevent irresponsible spending – If you’re a parent, you want to know you can take care of your child even after you’re gone. However, many people don’t know how to manage their money responsibly. You might worry your child won’t know how to manage the high-value asset or significant amount of money you left for them. Fortunately, a trust allows you to appoint a guardian to control your child’s spending.

Cons of a Living Trust

Although a trust offers various benefits, there are some drawbacks to creating one. The most common disadvantages of a living trust include:

• Time-consuming work – If you want your assets to be distributed to your beneficiaries without going through probate, you must transfer them to your trust. It can take some time to decide which property you want to hold in trust and go through the necessary measures to transfer those items.
• No protection from creditors – If you have a revocable living trust, creditors can go after the assets to satisfy your debts after you die. That means it could take some time for your family to receive the remaining property, if any, after the creditors take what they need.
• Confusing documents – Unfortunately, if you don’t create a clear and detailed trust, there might be some confusion about the distribution of assets upon your death. If it conflicts with your will or another document in your estate plan, your beneficiaries could face a contentious court battle.
• Money. The initial costs of creating and funding a trust are more than is required to create a will. Additionally, the assets you hold in trust could be subject to estate and income taxes.

Contact Staubus and Randall

If you’re considering setting up a trust as part of your estate plan, you should contact the Dallas estate planning lawyers of Staubus and Randall today. We can review your assets and other information to determine whether a trust is right for you. Our legal team understands the importance of protecting your property and heirs when you pass away or if you become incapacitated. You can depend on us to protect your interests and create an estate plan that meets your needs.

Call Staubus and Randall at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation with one of our Dallas estate planning attorneys or reach out to us online.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document giving your chosen attorney-in-fact or agent the authority to handle your affairs based on your best interests in specific situations. Terminal illness, cognitive decline, and traumatic accidents are a few of the common reasons creating a POA could be beneficial.

While drafting a POA, it’s crucial to outline what you want to happen in specific scenarios clearly. For example, if you’re in a car crash and end up in a coma, you should state how you want the situation to be handled. Depending on the type of power of attorney you create, your appointed agent can manage your business, financial, or medical affairs, or all three.

Abuse of a Power of Attorney

When you decide who you want to choose as your agent, it should be a person you trust completely. It should also be someone you know will carry out your wishes regardless of their feelings or opinions about them. Your designated agent could have access to your bank accounts and legally sign documents associated with your healthcare, financial affairs, and legal matters.

Although a power of attorney defines the agent’s role, their authority over someone else’s decisions can lead to abuse. If you become incapacitated, your agent could gift themselves with your assets. Or you might have to leave the country for a business trip, and your agent could decide to use your finances for personal gain in your absence.

Common Types of Power of Attorney Abuse

It’s an unpleasant and disturbing feeling when you realize the person you’ve entrusted with a significant responsibility has betrayed you. You thought they would always act in your best interests and protect you. However, you might have noticed signs that your chosen agent has violated your trust and abused their position in your life.

Power of attorney abuse can take many forms. The most common types you should watch for include:

• Identity theft – An agent can use the access they have to your personal information to open a new bank account, credit line, or investment account with your POA document.
• Breach of fiduciary duty – The agent or attorney-in-fact has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest from the moment the POA becomes effective. If they breach their duty in any way, they could be liable for lost money or assets.
• Embezzlement – Under certain circumstances, a financial POA grants the agent authority over every financial aspect of a person’s life. With complete access, the agent can embezzle funds from your account into theirs or transfer property that is supposed to go to your named beneficiaries.
• Medical abuse – A medical power of attorney gives the chosen agent the responsibility of deciding your medical treatment when necessary. If you’re unconscious or incompetent, you can’t inform your doctors of the healthcare you want. Your agent might choose to move you into a nursing facility against your wishes or ask your doctors to use life-saving measures you don’t want.

Proving Power of Attorney Abuse Occurred

If you believe your appointed agent is abusing a power of attorney, you should take immediate legal action. You will need sufficient evidence to show the abuse occurred. With financial abuse, providing documentation showing the agent transferred money into their accounts without your approval or made unauthorized purchases with credit cards could be the proof you need.

It’s vital to hire an experienced power of attorney abuse lawyer to assist you with your lawsuit. If you want to recover the losses you suffered, you will need a knowledgeable legal team on your side to build a solid case against your agent. Your lawyer can also help you create a new power of attorney to protect you from abuse in the future.

Contact Staubus and Randall Today

Staubus and Randall has over 100 years of combined experience in estate planning and litigation. We can help you pursue legal action against the individual responsible for abusing their responsibilities as your POA agent. You should not suffer the consequences of their misconduct. We will provide the guidance and support you need to get through this devastating time in your life.

If you or your loved one was the victim of power of attorney abuse in Texas, do not hesitate to contact Staubus and Randall. We can review the circumstances to determine the available legal options and create a strategy to try to resolve the matter favorably. You can depend on our legal team to be your advocate and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us at 214-691-3411 or reach out to us online today for your confidential consultation.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document granting someone the authority to manage your affairs if you’re unable to yourself. A POA can become effective once you sign the document or if a specific event occurs, such as incapacitation.

When you create a power of attorney, you can appoint an attorney-in-fact, also called an agent, to make decisions on your behalf. There are multiple types of POAs you can draft depending on the kind of affairs you want your agent to manage.

The agent you choose does not have to have a legal background. However, they must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. You should pick someone you trust to make the decisions you would make regarding your assets, finances, medical care, and any circumstances that arise. Your agent should be a person you know will act in your best interest and who will be willing to carry out the wishes you outlined in the POA.

Types of Power of Attorney

There are different types of POAs. Each one has a unique purpose and offers distinct benefits. You can designate a different agent for each or one person to handle all of your affairs. The different types of power of attorney include:

• Durable and non-durable POA
• Limited POA
• Springing POA
• Medical, financial, or military POA
• General POA

Durable and Non-Durable Power of Attorney

A durable POA goes into effect if you become incapacitated due to an accident or illness. The signed document allows the agent you choose to make specific decisions on your behalf.

You can decide whether you want your agent to have authority over your decisions upon signing the POA or when a medical provider deems you to be incompetent. You can also appoint a specific doctor you trust to determine whether you’re incompetent.

A non-durable POA is effective until you become incapacitated. If you don’t create another legal document to determine what should happen if you’re deemed incompetent, no one will have the authority to speak on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself.

Limited Power of Attorney

A limited POA grants your designated agent authority over minimal matters. You can set the conditions for the affairs your agent can handle if a specific event occurs, such as when you experience a medical problem or take a business trip to another country. Instead of making all of your decisions, they can only make decisions based on predetermined circumstances.

The most common affairs listed in a limited POA include:

• Collecting debts
• Facilitating business transactions
• Selling real and personal property
• Managing real estate

Springing Power of Attorney

A springing POA becomes effective when a healthcare professional deems you to be physically incapacitated or mentally incompetent. A qualified doctor must declare you mentally incompetent or physically incapacitated before your attorney-in-fact can make decisions on your behalf.

Medical, Financial, or Military Power of Attorney

A medical POA grants your agent the responsibility and authority over medical decisions. If you’re incompetent, unconscious, or unable to speak for yourself for any other reason, your appointed agent can communicate your wishes regarding healthcare to your doctors.

For example, if you have a strong opinion about life support, you can include that in your medical power of attorney. You might not want doctors to use extraordinary measures to keep you alive.

A financial POA allows your agent to make financial decisions on your behalf when specific situations prevent you from being present. For example, if you’re traveling abroad for an extended period, you can give your agent the authority to make important decisions about your finances in your absence.

You can even create a financial POA to kick in if you’re mentally incompetent or incapacitated and unable to make sound financial decisions.

A military POA allows someone you choose to manage your finances while you’re performing your military duties. That person can access your accounts, file taxes, and complete additional financial tasks if you cannot do those things yourself.

General Power of Attorney

A general POA is a broad power of attorney granting your attorney-in-fact authority over a range of decisions, such as:

• Providing gift contributions
• Purchasing life insurance
• Managing business and financial transactions
• Operating a business
• Settling claims

Your designated agent can protect your interests and handle matters outlined in the document while you’re traveling, if you become incapacitated, and in various other situations.

Speak to an Experienced Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Contact an estate planning lawyer from Staubus and Randall immediately if you want to create a power of attorney and don’t know which one would be most beneficial for you. You need guidance to choose the right POA to cover your specific circumstances and to help you draft an enforceable legal document so no one can argue its validity. Call 214-691-3411 now for an appointment.

A living trust can be a vital part of creating an estate plan. You could reap various benefits by setting up a valid and enforceable living trust. It can protect not only your assets but your family as well.

A living trust is a legal document you can establish to protect your assets during your lifetime. Your appointed trustee has the authority to manage any property and assets you move into the trust and eventually transfer them to your named beneficiaries as outlined in the document upon your death or incapacitation.

Everyone knows they should create a last will and testament. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how beneficial a living trust can be.

If you’re considering your options during estate planning, you should review the main reasons below for why you should create a living trust.

You’re Unable to Make Decisions for Yourself

Creating a living trust protects any assets you transfer into the trust during your lifetime so your loved ones can have access to them if you become incapacitated. It’s a good idea to set up a living trust if you have a terminal illness, cognitive disease, or are older.

If something happens to you and you can’t speak for yourself, the trustee you choose can manage your trust on your behalf.

Even if you’re young and healthy, creating a living trust is an excellent idea in case you’re involved in a traumatic accident, such as a car crash, and end up in a coma. You won’t be able to inform your family of your wishes or how to pay for your medical bills and other expenses. However, granting your trustee access to the trust allows them to manage your funds without the need to go to court.

You’re Responsible for the Care of Minor Children

If you want to ensure your child’s future, you can hold specific property in your living trust to have transferred to them when they reach the age you designate.

Some people decide 18 years old is the right age to give their kids access to their assets. However, others might think that’s too young for someone to be responsible for managing their own finances and choose to transfer assets out of the living trust and to the children once they reach 25 or even 30 years old.

When you establish a living trust, you can be the trustee yourself and appoint a successor trustee in case something happens to you, or you can decide who you want to be the trustee. The trustee manages the assets held in trust until they can transfer them to your children based on the directions you left behind.

You can also include specific terms regarding which assets your children can access and at what ages. For example, you can create a payment plan for your kids to receive a predetermined amount of money every month starting at the age you decide. That way, they can’t spend the funds frivolously all at once.

Your Beneficiaries Won’t Have to Go Through Probate

Probate can be a complicated and time-consuming process. It involves a probate judge validating a deceased’s person’s estate and allowing the beneficiaries to receive the assets outlined in the legal document. Unfortunately, that means it could take weeks or even months before your heirs can use the funds and additional property left to them in your estate plan.

With a living trust, your beneficiaries can avoid probate and gain immediate access to your assets upon your death, incapacitation, or another specified event without going to court for authorization first.

Keep Your Private Matters Private

If your surviving relatives have to go through probate to receive your assets, your estate becomes a matter of public record. Anyone can look up the information online, preventing your estate from remaining private.

If you set up a living trust, your family avoids the probate process and can manage your assets privately. That means no one will have the ability to search for the assets you owned when you died and your named beneficiaries that took ownership of them after completing probate.

Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

You don’t want your loved ones to struggle if something happens to you. You want to ensure they’re taken care of if you’re no longer able to care for them whether you pass away or become incapacitated. Creating a solid estate plan can protect your property and family and give you peace of mind knowing your heirs will receive the assets you left for them without any obstacles getting in their way.

If you’re thinking about creating a living trust, you should speak with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorney from Staubus and Randall. We can review your assets to determine whether a living trust could be beneficial for you. Call us today at 214-691-3411.

You should create a living will if you want your family and medical providers to know how to handle your medical care if you can’t speak for yourself.

A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences regarding the type of medical treatment you want if you can’t make your own decisions. The instructions you provide should direct your family members and doctors when specific circumstances arise, such as:

• Coma
• Terminal illness
• Traumatic injury
• Cognitive disease

With a living will, you can indicate your wishes for end-of-life care and whether you want your physicians to use extraordinary measures to keep you alive. You can also outline your decisions regarding medication, pain management, and additional medical preferences.

The Importance of a Living Will

A living will gives you peace of mind knowing you will receive the medical treatment you choose if something happens and you can’t inform anyone of your wishes. It can also relieve any burden your family would have had if they were forced to make challenging decisions on your behalf. If you clearly state what you want in your living will, it could prevent your family members from arguing over how to handle your medical care.

Who Can Create a Living Will?

Anyone at least 18 years old and of sound mind can set up a living will. Sound mind means you understand your decisions regarding the terms of the living will you’re creating.

Most people think older adults and individuals with a terminal illness are the only ones who can benefit from a living will. However, a valid living will can also help when unexpected scenarios arise, such as a fatal disease or car crash resulting in a coma.

When a Living Will Becomes Effective

A living will is only effective while you’re alive and unable to make sound decisions. Once a doctor deems you incompetent, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to communicate how you want your medical treatment to be handled, your living will can go into effect.

Typically, your medical provider will evaluate your condition to determine whether you no longer have the ability to understand your available treatment options and communicate your wishes.

If you pass away, your living will isn’t effective or enforceable anymore.

Difference Between a Living Will and Last Will and Testament

A last will and testament is much different than a living will. The main difference is that a last will and testament outlines how you want your estate handled when you die. A living will directs people to make health care decisions under specific circumstances when you can’t speak for yourself.

Decisions You Should Include in Your Living Will

If you decide you want to create a living will, you should hire an estate planning attorney and consider your options regarding end-of-life care. The most common scenarios people include in their living wills are:

Feeding Tube

If you’re no longer able to eat on your own, you could receive the fluids and nutrients you need intravenously or through a tube in your stomach. Specific points you should address include:

• Whether you want a feeding tube
• When you want to be connected to a feeding tube
• The length of time you should be fed through a feeding tube

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation occurs when a person can’t breathe on their own. If you want to include these instructions in your living will, you should specify certain information, such as:

• Whether you want mechanical ventilation
• The circumstances that should arise to be placed on a ventilator
• How long you want to be on a ventilator

Medications

You can choose whether you want your doctors to use specific medications in different situations. For example, if you develop a serious infection, you can decide whether you want antibiotics administered.

You might have a strong opinion regarding controlled substances and would rather avoid strong painkillers and similar drugs.

Organ Donation

A living will can include a section on donations. If you want to donate your organs to someone in need, you should specify that in the document. You could also donate your body to science.

Dialysis

If your kidneys don’t function properly anymore, you can indicate whether you want to go on dialysis in your living will. Dialysis performs multiple functions, such as:

• Assisting in controlling blood pressure
• Removing waste, extra water, and salt from the body to prevent them from building up
• Maintaining safe levels of certain chemicals in the blood, such as sodium and potassium

Contact an Estate Planning Attorney Today

If you want to create a living will, you should contact an estate planning attorney from Staubus and Randall today. We can advise you about the various elements of a living will to ensure you address all the necessary scenarios, so your family knows what to do if you can’t make your own decisions anymore. Don’t leave anything to chance. Call 214-691-3411 today.