Comprehensive Estate Planning Services For Texas Families
If you think estate planning starts and ends with writing a will, you’d be surprised at how much a comprehensive estate plan can protect you. Or perhaps you’re putting it off, thinking of estate planning as something to tackle later in life, like when you’re retired. Our firm regularly encounters clients who are pleasantly surprised at just how much a well-structured estate plan can benefit them and achieve their long-term financial goals.
If you’ve been avoiding estate planning, thinking that it’s only for the rich or that you’re too young to need it, you’re certainly not alone. You might also be unprepared for what the future could bring. Talk to our Houston, TX estate planning lawyer. We can explain how a personalized estate plan can protect your children, ensure you have a comfortable retirement, and keep your finances in order no matter what life throws your way.
With our guidance, you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve taken the right steps today, so you’re prepared for whatever tomorrow might bring. We invite you to contact Stuart Green Law, PLLC, today for a free initial consultation.
What Can A Houston Estate Planning Attorney Do for You?
Your estate includes everything you own: your home, any vehicles or real property, your retirement and investment accounts, and your most treated family heirlooms. When you pass away, your estate is divided among your loved ones, but before that happens, the estate must settle any debts and estate taxes it might owe. Without the right planning, a good chunk of your estate may be eaten up by probate costs, taxes, and possibly debts it shouldn’t pay. With a proper estate plan, though, you can preserve as much of your estate as possible and make sure your assets go to the right people (who may not necessarily be your closest kin).
Estate planning representation from our firm goes far beyond just filling out a few forms. We take the time to understand your full financial picture, including your obligations, your goals, and the people you want to protect. Then, we recommend the right legal documents to accomplish it. These might include a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, or guardianship designation for a minor child. Our attorneys draft these documents with precision and care, ensuring they comply with Texas laws and reflect your true intentions. Ideally, each of your estate planning documents stands up in probate court and withstands any potential challenge.
Planning Ahead For The Unexpected
Estate planning isn’t just about passing down assets. It also includes plans for situations that may arise during your lifetime. You may get into an accident or develop a serious health condition (like cognitive decline) that makes it impossible for you to advocate for yourself or make sound decisions about your finances. Texas law permits you to designate a trusted individual to make financial decisions on your behalf through a durable power of attorney if you become unable to do so. It also contains provisions to designate a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney to permit someone you trust to make important health decisions in your stead.
Our Houston estate planning lawyer may recommend setting up a trust to protect assets from creditors, provide for a loved one with special needs, or fund retirement. We carefully structure each trust to give you financial peace of mind and keep assets in your family for generations.
Whether you’re creating a new estate plan or revising an existing one, you can trust the attorneys at Stuart Green Law, PLLC, to have your best interests in mind. Please call us today to set up your estate planning consultation.
Types Of Estate Plans We Handle
Our Houston, TX estate planning lawyer knows that estate planning is about taking clear, thoughtful steps to protect the people and property that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking to name a guardian for your children, manage a family business, or reduce the chance of future disputes, your plan should reflect your unique goals. At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, you’ll find legal guidance tailored to your circumstances—not a one-size-fits-all approach. The types of estate plans we handle are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals, couples, and families in various stages of life. We serve clients domestically and abroad, so call us with your estate planning needs.
Will-Based Estate Plan
A will-based estate plan is often the starting point for many people. This type of plan allows you to name who will receive your property, who will care for your children, and who will carry out your final wishes. It also typically includes powers of attorney and advance directives to cover financial and medical decisions if you can’t make them yourself.
Trust-Based Estate Plan
A trust-based estate plan gives you more control over how and when your assets are distributed. By placing property into a revocable living trust, you can avoid probate and simplify matters for your loved ones. This plan often includes a pour-over will and other legal tools to handle incapacity and property management during your lifetime.
High-Net-Worth Estate Plan
If your assets may trigger estate taxes or require long-term asset protection strategies, our Houston estate planning lawyer knows that you may benefit from a high-net-worth estate plan. These plans are designed to reduce tax liability, preserve generational wealth, and incorporate business succession, charitable giving, or advanced trust options as needed.
Blended Family Estate Plan
When you have children from a previous relationship or a blended household, a standard plan may not address everyone’s needs. A blended family estate plan outlines exactly how your property should be divided and prevents misunderstandings between spouses, children, or stepchildren. It can also include custom trust terms and tailored beneficiary instructions.
Incapacity Or Medical-Driven Plan
You may want an estate plan focused on healthcare decisions and personal care. This type of plan emphasizes advance medical directives, financial powers of attorney, and clear instructions about who can act on your behalf. It’s especially useful if you are facing chronic illness, aging-related concerns, or want to plan ahead for long-term care.
If you’re thinking about putting an estate plan in place or updating an old one, the best time to act is now. Attorney Stuart A. Green is the founding and managing partner at Stuart Green Law, PLLC can help you create a plan that reflects your priorities and reduces confusion for your family later. Reach out to our Houston estate planning lawyer today to discuss how we can help you protect your wishes and move forward with clarity.
Common Reasons For Needing An Estate Plan
An estate plan is more than just a set of legal documents—it’s a strategy to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Our Houston, TX estate planning lawyer knows that many people delay creating an estate plan because they think it’s only for the wealthy or elderly, but the truth is that it can benefit almost anyone. Stuart A. Green, is the founding and managing attorney of this firm and is prepared to step in and help. Below are some of the most common reasons to have an estate plan in place.
- Protecting Your Family’s Financial Security. An estate plan ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, helping your family avoid unnecessary financial stress during a difficult time. Without a plan, state laws decide who receives your assets, which may not align with your intentions.
- Avoiding Probate Delays and Costs. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process. With a well-prepared estate plan, certain assets can bypass probate entirely, allowing your loved ones to receive them faster and with less expense.
- Planning for Incapacity. An estate plan isn’t only about what happens after you pass away—it can also address what happens if you become unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives ensure someone you trust can make important choices on your behalf.
- Reducing Estate Taxes. Depending on the size of your estate, taxes can take a significant portion of what you leave behind. Proper planning can help minimize these taxes, allowing more of your assets to go to your loved ones or causes you care about.
- Providing for Minor Children. If you have children under 18, our Houston estate planning lawyer knows that your estate plan can designate a guardian to care for them if something happens to you. This is one of the most important decisions a parent can make.
- Supporting Charitable Causes. Many people use estate planning to leave a legacy by supporting charities and causes that matter to them. You can set aside specific gifts or create a trust to continue giving for years to come.
- Avoiding Family Disputes. Clear instructions in an estate plan help reduce the risk of disagreements among family members. By making your wishes known in advance, you can prevent conflicts that could otherwise damage relationships.
At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, we believe everyone should have an estate plan that reflects their values, protects their assets, and provides for their loved ones. We guide our clients through every step of the process, making sure they understand their options and feel confident in their decisions. Our firm also serves Conroe, Katy, Spring, Pasadena, and more. If you’re ready to create or update your estate plan, contact our Houston estate planning lawyer today so we can help you put the right protections in place for your future and your family’s peace of mind.
Houston Estate Planning Infographic
Common Estate Planning Myths FAQs
As our Houston, TX estate planning lawyer knows, estate planning is one of those topics that many people put off, often because of misunderstandings or myths they’ve heard. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can leave families unprepared and assets unprotected. Because we are a boutique law firm, we are here to provide you with an estate plan that is tailored to your exact needs.
Is Estate Planning Only For The Wealthy?
One of the biggest myths is that estate planning is something only the very wealthy need to worry about. The truth is that almost everyone benefits from having a plan. Estate planning isn’t just about passing on large sums of money; it’s also about naming guardians for children, making healthcare choices, and ensuring that property is distributed according to your wishes. Even modest estates can create challenges if there’s no plan in place.
Do I Need An Estate Plan If I Already Have A Will?
Our Houston estate planning lawyer knows that a will is an important part of estate planning, but it’s not the whole picture. Estate planning often includes other tools like powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts. A trustee managing a trust is responsible for safeguarding the trust’s assets, following the terms of the trust, and acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries. These documents address issues that a will alone does not, such as who can make medical or financial decisions if you become unable to do so. Without a full estate plan, your family may face unnecessary delays, expenses, or conflicts in handling your affairs.
Is It True That Estate Plans Never Need To Be Updated?
Another common myth is that once you have an estate plan, you can put it away and never think about it again. In reality, estate plans should be reviewed and updated when major life changes occur. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or even a significant change in finances can all affect your plan. Keeping your documents up to date makes sure they still reflect your wishes and provide the protection your family needs.
Won’t Everything Just Automatically Go To My Spouse Or Children Without A Plan?
Many people assume the law will simply hand over their property to their spouse or children if they don’t have a plan, but that’s not always the case. Without a will or trust, state laws decide how property is divided, and the results may not match your wishes. In some cases, assets may be split in ways that cause hardship or conflict among family members. Having a plan in place gives you control over how your estate is handled.
Is Estate Planning Too Expensive Or Complicated?
Some people avoid estate planning because they think it’s too costly or difficult. In reality, the process is often straightforward and far less expensive than the problems that can arise without a plan. Working with a knowledgeable attorney helps make the process clear and tailored to your situation. At Stuart Green Law, PLLC, we guide clients step by step so they understand their options and feel confident about their decisions.
If you’ve been putting off estate planning because of common myths, we’re here to help. We can answer your questions, explain the process, and create a plan that protects your loved ones and your wishes. We want to safeguard your legacy. Let’s take this step together so you can move forward with peace of mind. Speak with our Houston estate planning lawyer when you are ready.