Whether you have very few assets or a large complex estate, it is important to have a will and possibly other more sophisticated estate planning documents to ensure that your wishes and directives are followed upon your death and to ensure that your estate is handled in the manner in which you deem appropriate. Proper planning for the probate of a will or the administration of an estate is invaluable to beneficiaries, heirs, executors, trustees, and other persons probating a will or administering an estate.

Many times when a person is conducting estate planning, they will also execute documents such as durable or statutory powers of attorneys, medical powers of attorneys, directives and living wills. Such documents can be of value in the event a person becomes sick or incapacitated. Once a need emerges for a guardianship, it may be too late to engage in any further estate planning. Guardianships are very closely monitored by courts for as long as the guardianship exists and often the process involved can be cumbersome and costly. In some instances, guardianship issues arise with minor children or disabled adults. It is advisable to consult with an attorney regarding all of your options prior to applying for a guardianship.

If a person dies without a will, an estate administration or other legal procedures will be necessary to properly transfer title of assets. If a person dies with a will, a will shall be probated to transfer title of assets. Guardianship which can be financially burdensome may be avoided by proper estate planning.

Contact Timpa Law Office in Rockwall, Texas and get your affairs in order today!