Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children are the foundations of a well-crafted estate plan. These documents help establish the legacy you pass on to future generations, specify who will care for your minor children if you are no longer able to do so, and give you control over important decisions and who will make them if you are unable to make them on your own and after your death.

Many people put off creating an estate plan because it feels complicated and overwhelming. However, there is no substitute for the peace of mind you gain from knowing you have taken the necessary steps to protect and provide for your loved ones after you are gone.

At Oaks, Hartline & Daly, LLP we work to make estate planning easy, convenient, and less stressful. To learn more and get started preparing your estate plan, contact Oaks, Hartline & Daly, LLP, today.

Building Blocks of a Comprehensive Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your future. These foundational documents are the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan that will provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for you and your family.

Last Will and Testament

Your Last Will and Testament, commonly referred to as a Will, identifies broad categories of assets and explains how these assets will be transferred at the time of your death. Your Will names the Executor of your estate, the person responsible for handling your affairs after your death. In your Will, you can establish trusts for your beneficiaries that avoid estate tax, protect assets from creditors, and direct the disposition of trust assets at the beneficiary’s death. These “testamentary trusts” also allow you to name a trustee to manage trust assets for the beneficiary, which is particularly important when the trust beneficiaries are minor children.

Revocable Living Trusts

A Revocable Living Trust is similar to a Will in that it specifies how your property will be distributed upon your death. However, a Revocable Living Trust can be useful to avoid probate on assets placed into the trust and to assist with management of trust assets if you become incapacitated. Revocable Living Trusts are also helpful if you own real property or mineral rights in other states.

Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney authorizes another individual to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so. Texas recognizes various types of Powers of Attorney that can be used in different situations.

  • A Statutory Durable Power of Attorney gives your agent the authority to act on your behalf in a broad range of matters, mainly dealing with managing your financial affairs. This type of Power of attorney continues even if you become incapacitated.
  • A Limited Power of Attorney gives your agent authority to handle a specific matter or lasts for a limited period of time.
  • A Medical Power of Attorney gives your agent authority to make decisions about your medical care and treatment if you are unable to make your own decisions.

Guardian of Minor Children

A Legal Guardian is the individual you appoint to take over custody and care of your children in the event of your death or if you become incapacitated and can no longer care for them. The legal guardian will have the responsibility and legal authority to make decisions regarding your children’s care, education, healthcare, and other matters. This arrangement remains in effect until the child’s 18th birthday.

Trusted by Texas Families to Protect What Matters Most

Oaks, Hartline & Daly, LLP is located in Houston and proudly serves clients throughout Texas. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized estate planning services designed to help clients protect their wealth and secure their future. We know that navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship designations can be daunting, and that is why we offer a holistic approach to ensure you receive comprehensive support and service throughout the entire process.

We take pride in helping clients navigate the estate planning journey with minimal stress. We take time to learn about you, your family, and your long-term goals, and we clearly explain your option, crafting a truly customized estate plan that is tailored to meet your needs and objectives. Once the process is complete, you will have peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order, your assets are protected, and your family’s future is secure.

Contact the Texas Estate Planning Lawyers at OHD Today

We invite you to contact Oaks, Hartline & Daly, LLP for more information and to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and how we can assist you.