Estate Planning

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Creating an estate plan is a complex matter with numerous factors to consider. Having an estate plan ensures that your final wishes will be carried through and protects your family from the challenges that inevitably arise when someone falls ill or passes without a plan in place. While we all find it difficult to find time to think about the future, what happens to your family when you pass or become incapacitated is not something to be left to chance. Everyone needs an estate plan, and unique personal circumstances will often require that a detailed and carefully structured plan be put into place. Let us carefully guide you through these critical decisions. At The Law Offices of Christopher Le, our attorney's will work hard to make the estate planning process as easy as possible.We believe each family is unique and that your family dynamics and personal circumstances should be carefully considered when designing the perfect estate plan.Our goal is to understand your concerns, your goals, and your family’s needs. Our caring and compassionate approach to these important matters will allow you to comfortably explore your options and make informed decisions.

 

We work with clients in a wide variety of situations and can help with the following matters:

 

• Trusts – A trust is very much like a will but can be drafted in various ways. A trust can communicate what you would like to happen once you pass away and also communicate what you would like to happen even when your alive.  A trust also makes it easier for your family to settle your affairs once you’re gone. Trusts avoid probate which means your beneficiaries will not have to go to court and incur additional costs before receiving their inheritances. Certain trusts can also protect your assests from creditors or lawsuits. 

• Wills – A Will allows you to communicate what you would like to happen to your assets once you pass away. Creating a Will as a part of your estate plan will ensure all you leave behind will be taken care of according to your wishes. 

• Incapacity Planning – No one ever expects to stop working due to a disabling condition. The Law Office has represented thousands of disabled individuals file for social security disability and understands the struggle these individuals encounter.  Thats why it's extremely important for you to make a plan in the event of a disabling injury or debilitating disease. Without these plans in place, a judge could ultimately decide what’s best for you. 

• Medicaid Planning – No one ever wants to think about being put in a nursing home but it could very well happen, so you want to be protected. To avoid losing all of your hard-earned assets to nursing home expenses, we can devise you a plan to avoid losing all that you've worked for. 

• Business Succession Planning –  With proper planning, you can preserve your business for generations to come.

• Special Needs Planning – Parents and grandparents can take a proactive approach in planning for loved ones with special needs. We will help you choose the right plan and financial structure to support your special needs family member.

• Tax Planning – There are complex rules regarding tax treatment for your estate. The smallest mistake in transferring or distributing estate funds can result in significant tax liabilities. 

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We will assist you to determine the best plan for you and your family. Some of the basic documents that every Texan should have include:

• Last Will and Testament

• Statutory Durable Power of Attorney

• Medical Power of Attorney

• Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates

• HIPAA Release

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At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we offer a simple will package at $500 for each individual. For this fee you are provided a simple will that divides your assets, names your beneficiaries, names your executor, and if necessary can set up a contingent trust for your children. In addition, you can also choose to get a durable power of attorney in the event you are unable to make decisions due to a disability, a medical power of attorney, HIPAA release, and directive to physician. 

 

A more advanced Texas estate plan incorporates strategies that address specific concerns such as providing current protection from creditors, reducing taxes, or managing eligibility for Medicaid or other government benefits, that you or your beneficiaries may need to rely upon now or in the future. Some of the additional documents used for advanced estate planning and asset protection estate planning include:

• Irrevocable Living Trusts

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Testamentary Trusts

• Special Purpose Trusts, such as NFA Gun Trusts

• Special Needs Trusts

• Miller Trusts

• Charitable Trusts

• Crummey Trusts

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