Helping You Create A Rock Solid Plan For The Future
At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, we understand that no one likes to think about the possibility of future incapacitation or death. Even the idea of planning for a future that does not include you can seem dark and sad, especially when you must get your family’s input on how they would like to see your estate live on.
It is a truly tough conversation, and we know that. That is why our estate planning attorneys focus on making the process easier by attending to each detail, so you can focus on living your life knowing your future is secure.
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Our Estate Planning Services In Texas
Having a comprehensive plan in place ensures not only that your assets and property are protected, but also that your family and loved ones have safety and peace of mind. Your estate plan can also outline how you would like to be cared for if you are unable to care for yourself, so no detail is left to chance. We are here to guide you through these decisions.
While estate planning may seem daunting, the process does not have to be overwhelming.
At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, we assist members of the community from all walks of life with all aspects of estate planning. Whether you are interested in drafting a will, establishing a trust, or creating a healthcare directive before major surgery, our estate planning attorneys can help.
What Does Estate Planning Involve?
Estate planning is the legal process of organizing your property for transition after your death or during a period of incapacity.
These legally binding documents are created to arrange the management and disposal of your estate, so your family is not tasked with sorting through the details on their own. Estate plans are unique and should be handled by an experienced Houston estate planning attorney team who can give you and your family the confidence you need to put your future in perspective.
Estate Planning Services
There are many different aspects of an estate plan, and yours should be tailored to you and your unique situation.
At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, we offer custom estate planning assistance that takes your circumstances, needs, and goals into account at every step, so your estate plan reflects your unique needs.
Our Houston estate planning attorney team can assist you with the following and more:
- Wills, including simple, tax-planned, pour-over, and Codicils
- Inter Vivos trusts
- Testamentary trusts
- Supplemental needs trusts
- Trusts such as ILITs, QPRTs, CRATs, CRUTs, and beyond
- Guardianship for disabled minors
- Guardianship for elders
- Special needs planning
- Powers of attorney
- Business succession planning
- Assisting charities in the probate process with charitable bequests left to them
- Converting probate assets into non-probate assets
With decades of experience, our Houston estate planning attorney team understands the various complexities of our Texas residents’ needs and is fully committed to providing the best solutions for their unique stage of planning.
Building a Future For Your Children With An Estate Plan
Outlining your children’s futures means facing the reality that you are not always going to physically be there for them. It is a difficult realization, and one many do not care to ponder for long. We understand and are here to help.
While there are many family issues to consider when putting together an estate plan, it can provide exceptional peace of mind knowing that you have it all under control with the help of an experienced Houston estate planning attorney.
We have helped many families when planning for their children’s futures and will work closely with you to provide all the options necessary to protect your assets for your kids while establishing the guidelines that will allow them to take advantage of your planning.
We Have A Blended Family: Can Stepp Law Firm PLLC Help Us Plan For Everyone?
When spouses are in their second or third marriages, their financial holdings and future plans become increasingly complicated. When couples have blended families, with children from previous marriages, our estate planning lawyers can build estate plans by drafting prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and marital property agreements. In no way are we suggesting that you and your family are planning for divorce. It is about protecting everyone in your blended family, and, yes, of course, our law firm can be of assistance.
What If My Children Are Still Minors When I Am Gone?
In the State of Texas, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to leave assets to minor children under the age of 18. Creating a will or trust (depending on the circumstances) allows you to protect your assets until your children are of age to make informed decisions about their use by retaining the flexibility of when your children are allowed access to your estate.
Protection For Your Entire Family
It is important to understand that you do not need extensive wealth to build an estate plan. Ensuring you have a last will and testament protects the surviving spouse with an asset protection trust that we can design in several different ways and ensure the future beneficiaries so that their inheritance goes where you intended it to go.
Protecting your family begins with having instructions in place that allow your wishes to be known, to avoid future family disputes. Your family is important, and planning for their future allows them to know how loved they are.
Our Houston estate planning attorney team can help you weigh all your options and determine the best solutions for your unique situation, so you can face the future with confidence knowing you have done everything you can to protect the most important people in your life.
At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, every Houston estate planning attorney at our firm has assisted single entrepreneurial clients with significant assets, owners of small family-owned businesses who bring the next generation into the business, executives in major corporations, seniors, parents, and many others with their unique estate planning needs, and we want the same for you.
Common Questions For Estate Planning In Texas
#1: What Happens If I Die Without A Will?
If you die without a will, the legal term is dying “intestate.” When you die intestate, your assets are distributed according to a formula set in the Texas Estates Code. This formula does not take into consideration your personal desires and wishes.
#2: How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
An estate plan is rarely a “set it and forget it” document. Generally, it is best to review your plan approximately every three to five years. However, certain major life events should trigger an immediate update. Some examples include:
- Family changes. If you marry, remarry, divorce, have a child, adopt a child, or one of your beneficiaries or executors dies, you need to update your estate plan to make sure it reflects your current relationships.
- Changes in finances. This covers a significant increase or decrease in your assets, the purchase of real estate, or starting a business.
- Legislative changes. Tax laws and the Texas Estates Code change frequently. A Houston estate planning attorney can make sure your estate plan stays up to date.
#3: Do I Need An Estate Plan If I Have No Significant Assets?
Yes, because estate planning is about much more than money or property. It is about protecting your freedom to choose and autonomy. For example, a medical power of attorney document allows you to choose who makes healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. If you have minor children, an estate plan can help designate who should take care of them if you cannot. When there is no estate plan, the court generally makes these decisions for you.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Houston Estate Planning Attorney
When it comes to making decisions about your family’s future, you should never leave any of the details to chance. Our estate planning lawyer will help you outline your holdings without the stress of going through your life’s work on your own. We are here to help ensure your home, car, retirement account, real estate holdings, stocks and bonds, and other properties are divided as you wish.
No matter your age or your financial standing, you can begin planning your future today by speaking with our Houston estate planning attorney, Texas at Stepp Law Firm PLLC, by calling 713-336-7200 or messaging us online to schedule a confidential consultation.