Estate Planning Lawyer in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas

Planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially when it involves decisions about your health, your assets, and your loved ones. No one wants to think about illness, incapacity, or passing away, and it's normal to feel anxious about discussing these subjects. However, making these decisions ahead of time can protect your family and what you've worked so hard to build.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to take control of their future and protect the people they love. At the Law Office of Frederick K. Wilson II, I take the time to understand your goals and provide guidance that reflects your unique needs.

With offices in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, I serve individuals and families throughout Missouri City and the Greater Houston Metro area, and I'm licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and admitted to the Supreme Court of Texas. If you're looking to hire an estate planning attorney, contact me today to schedule a consultation.

Our Estate Planning Services

Every estate plan is unique, but several core documents are commonly part of the process. These legal tools make your wishes clear and enforceable under Texas law. It’s not just about having documents; it's about having the right documents that reflect your situation and goals. Some of the common estate planning documents I can help you create include the following.

• Last will and testament: This document outlines who inherits your property and assets, and names guardians for minor children.

• Revocable living trust: This can serve as a flexible tool for managing and transferring property without the need for probate.

• Durable power of attorney: This document appoints someone to handle your financial matters if you're unable to due to incapacitation or death.

• Medical power of attorney: This document names a trusted person to make healthcare decisions for you if you can't communicate.

• Directive to physicians (living will): This document describes your preferences for medical and end-of-life care.

• HIPAA authorization: This documentation allows designated individuals to access your medical information as needed.

An estate planning lawyer can help you choose the right tools for your situation. These documents work together to protect your wishes, prevent family disputes, and keep things as smooth as possible for your loved ones.

How Estate Planning Can Help

Effective estate planning offers considerable benefits. At my firm, I strive to help you create the documents you need to minimize disputes and avoid costly mistakes after your passing. Some of the ways I my services can benefit your estate planning include the following.

Avoid Probate and Protect Your Loved Ones

Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing someone’s estate after they die. While probate isn't always bad, it can be time-consuming, public, and expensive. Many people aim to keep their families out of court and avoid delays when transferring assets. One way to achieve this is by utilizing tools such as living trusts and beneficiary designations. Some of the ways I can help you avoid or reduce probate include:

• Using a revocable living trust: Property in the trust doesn’t go through probate.

• Naming beneficiaries on accounts: Life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts can be transferred directly.

• Establishing joint ownership: Certain types of jointly owned property pass automatically to the other owner.

• Creating transfer on death (TOD) deeds: Real estate can pass to someone outside of probate with the right deed.

My goal is to help you decide which of these options makes sense for your goals so you can avoid probate where possible and save your family time, money, and stress.

Plan for Incapacity and Medical Decisions

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away; it also addresses what happens if you're unable to speak for yourself. Accidents and illnesses can happen suddenly. Without a plan, your loved ones may struggle to make decisions or might face legal hurdles to act on your behalf. Some key tools I can help you establish for incapacity planning include:

• Durable power of attorney: Appoints someone you trust to handle your finances.

• Medical power of attorney: Lets someone you choose make medical choices for you.

• Living will (directive to physicians): States your preferences for life-sustaining treatment.

• HIPAA release: Gives access to medical records when needed.

Having these documents in place lets your loved ones support you without unnecessary confusion or delay. It also gives you a voice, even if you can’t speak for yourself. I help clients carefully and thoughtfully consider these scenarios.

Plan for Families With Children

Parents often come to me with one pressing concern: What happens to my kids if something happens to me? This is one of the most important reasons to create an estate plan. If you have minor children, your plan should include instructions for guardianship and provide financial support. Some necessary steps you can take as a parent include:

• Naming a guardian: Decide who would care for your children if you’re not around.

• Creating a trust for your children: This allows you to control when and how they receive assets.

• Writing a letter of intent: Explain your wishes for raising your children, including values, education, and routines.

Without these steps, the court will decide who cares for your children, and it may not be the person you would have chosen. A thoughtful estate plan lets you continue to care for your children, even if you’re no longer here to do it in person.

Business Owners and Estate Planning

If you own a business, your estate plan should include strategies for what happens to your business if you become incapacitated or pass away. Without a plan, your business could be tied up in court or fall into the wrong hands. Some key steps you should take to protect your business include the following:

• Create a succession plan: Identify who will manage or take over the business.

• Establish a trust or buy-sell agreement: Plan how ownership will be transferred to others.

• Appoint a power of attorney: Assign someone to handle your business matters if you’re unable to do so yourself.

At the Law Office of Frederick K. Wilson II, I work with business owners across Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, to protect what they've built. Estate planning isn’t just about your personal life; it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked hard to achieve.