Austin Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Austin, TX

Most people in Austin have preferences about what should be done with their property after they die. This is why the process of estate planning exists - it permits people to make a broad range of decisions related to this issue.

Estate planning typically requires the advice of a legal and/or financial expert, because the issues involved can be complicated, and are considered by most to be quite important. A flawed estate plan might create conflict between your survivors, resulting in your intentions not being given effect.

Estate planning can have several positive effects on the planner during life, as well. These benefits are typically somewhat intangible, revolving around the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, after your death, you family will be taken care of and that they'll know what your last wishes are. Nonetheless, most people find this very valuable. To that end, you should come up with a power-of-attorney agreement. When you grant someone power of attorney, you have given them the power to make specific decisions on your behalf. You can grant them as much or as little authority as you want. Most people, however, give family members or life partners power of attorney with respect to medical care, so if they become incapacitated, their wishes will still be carried out.

A knowledgeable estate planner in Austin, can make this process much easier, minimizing the chances that your estate plan will end up in court, saving your survivors a huge amount of time and money.

Common Features of Austin Estates

Will: This is the centerpiece of most estate plans. A will is a document written by a person (the "testator"), typically with the help of a lawyer, which says what is to be done with their property after they die. Most provisions in a will are legally binding, to the extent that ownership of the property legally passes to the named beneficiary. However, a will cannot compel a person to do anything against their wishes (though it can certainly state your preferences on the matter, phrasing them as requests).

Living Will: Living wills are also very crucial for most people. Basically, a living will tells everyone concerned (your next of kin, and your doctor) what type of medical care you want if you become incapacitated. It normally includes the circumstances under which a person wishes to be kept on life support, when they want to be taken off of life support, and, sometimes, instructions on when medical staff should and should not attempt resuscitation.

Power of Attorney: This is an arrangement in which you give someone else, typically a trusted family member, the power to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf, in case you become unable to make or express your own decisions.

Funeral Arrangements: Whatever your preference on this matter (if you have a preference) you should make it known to your family both verbally and in writing. If you have very specific wishes concerning the final disposition of your mortal remains, you should not put those instructions in your will. Or, if you do, you should also put them somewhere else. Wills are normally not read for quite some time after a person dies, and the funeral is typically long over by then, so it will be too late to follow your instructions.

Do I Need a Austin Estates Lawyer?

A knowledgeable lawyer in Austin can make the process of estate planning as straightforward as it possibly can be. He or she can help ensure that your wishes are given effect, and minimize the chances of disputes between your survivors.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Austin

Austin, Texas is known as one of the best cities in Texas because there is a lot to do! Austin is the fourth largest city in Texas with a population of about 790,390. Also known for being the thirty-fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States, Austin has attractions for tourists of all types.

Popular attractions include Congress Avenue, Zilker Metropolitan Park, State Capital, Austin Nature Science Center, Mount Bonnell, Texas Military Forces Museum, Fall Creek Vineyards and Paramount Theatre. In all honestly, pages and pages could be written about the attractions in Austin. One really needs to go there to experience all the attractions and active vibe of the city. Austin is also home to many large multinational, international, mid-size, and small law firms. What does this mean? This means that any Austin resident and/or businesses have a large number of firms to choose from when seeking competent attorneys or law firms. This is a rare offering that not all metropolitan cities offer. Overall, from quality of life to industry, Austin is a great choice for visiting or living!

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