A Texas Probate And Estate Planning Attorney
It can be overwhelming to think about creating or reevaluating your estate plan. It’s equally overwhelming to administer an estate in probate court. We understand.
At Reekie Law PLLC, we offer a comfortable and supportive environment. Our attorney, Jennifer Reekie, is committed to helping you protect your legacy with a customized, comprehensive and thorough estate plan. She will take the time to make sure you understand every aspect of your plan and the process. In addition, as an experienced litigator, she also represents clients in probate court.
Creating A Comprehensive Estate Plan
An estate plan is a collection of legal documents that work together to protect you, your loved ones and your assets. A comprehensive estate plan can include the following:
- Wills: A last will and testament directs how your property will be distributed after your death and names your executor, who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. A will can also appoint guardians for your minor children should it become necessary.
- Trusts: A trust is an estate planning tool that allows you to transfer assets to a trustee, who holds and manages them for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Different types of trusts, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, can help with asset protection.
- Financial power of attorney: A financial power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.
- Medical power of attorney: A medical power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
- Advance health care directive: An advance directive, also called a living will, sets forth your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become terminally ill or permanently incapacitated.
Every client’s asset and wealth portfolio is unique, as are their wishes and desires. Therefore, every estate plan will be unique for each client. We provide customized guidance throughout the estate planning process. We want to ensure your plan meets your specific needs and circumstances.
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
It’s a good idea to review your estate plan periodically and revise it as necessary. Major life transitions and events that may prompt a review include:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
- Significant changes in your assets or income
- Moving to a new state
If you are due for a review of your estate planning documents, our attorney can evaluate your existing documents, and assess your goals and wishes to make sure that your estate plan meets your needs.
Understanding Probate Court
Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after someone’s death. When a person who has a will dies, the probate court will validate the will and appoint an executor to carry out its instructions. When there is no will, the probate court must oversee the administration of an estate. When a person dies without a will, the court will appoint an administrator to distribute the assets according to state intestate laws. Probate can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Helping Your Family Through Legal Challenges
Our legal practice is focused on family law and estate planning. We want to help families take care of each other. This includes helping families prepare their legacy and plan for the transfer of their assets and wealth when it becomes necessary. In addition, sometimes taking care of your family means facing elder law questions and challenges. We can assist not only with planning ahead but also with navigating elder law challenges or establishing guardianships. As an experienced trial lawyer, she can also advocate for clients in probate court if necessary.
Consult A Texas Probate And Estate Planning Attorney
If you need an estate planning lawyer in The Woodlands or any of the surrounding Houston communities, our attorney is available by appointment. To schedule an initial consultation, you can call us at 832-940-7555. You can also schedule an appointment by sending us a message through our website.