Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Welcome to the Law Office of Christina Stroyick Brengel, serving clients in Richmond, TX, where we specialize in comprehensive estate planning. Our legal expertise covers a range of strategies including wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. It’s a common misconception among clients that they don’t have or need an estate plan. Yet, many are surprised to realize that without specific legal directives, their estates will be subject to Texas’s intestacy laws upon their passing. This default process can lead to outcomes that may not reflect their personal desires. Our firm is committed to ensuring that your estate plan aligns with your personal choices, overriding the state’s default laws.
Importance of a Last Will and Testament
Our focus is to stress the significance of having a last will and testament as a central piece of your estate plan. Lacking a will means your estate will fall under the jurisdiction of Texas’s intestacy laws, which may not coincide with your preferences. Key points to consider include:
- Effectiveness of Wills: Wills are activated posthumously and do not apply during times of incapacitation.
- Wills in the Probate Process: Contrary to popular belief, having a will does not circumvent probate. It serves as your formal entry into the probate system.
- Guardianship Decisions in Wills: For those with young children, a will is indispensable for appointing guardians, thus averting potential family conflicts and unsuitable guardianship situations.
The Role of Powers of Attorney in Estate Planning
Powers of attorney are essential in estate planning, providing the mechanism for someone else to make decisions on your behalf. It’s important to understand their breadth and limitations:
- Extent and Boundaries: These powers can range from being very broad to highly specific, and they usually terminate at the death of the maker, or if the maker becomes incapacitated, unless it’s a durable power of attorney.
- Durable Powers of Attorney: This type maintains decision-making capabilities during periods of incapacity. It’s advisable to keep these documents updated to ensure they are recognized by financial entities.
Your Healthcare Wishes: Advance Directives
We help you formulate advance directives, an integral part of estate planning. These documents specify your healthcare and personal care preferences in situations where you are unable to make decisions. They encompass:
- Designating Decision Makers: You have the choice to appoint individuals to make decisions for you.
- Specifications on Life-Prolonging Care: You can outline your preferences for life-sustaining treatment in specific medical scenarios, like irreversible comas.
- Access to Medical Records: It’s crucial to include authorization for your chosen representatives to access your medical information, ensuring alignment between your healthcare providers and your appointed decision-makers.
Richmond, TX Practice Areas
Rosenberg, TX Practice Areas
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The Law Office of Christina Stroyick Brengel is here to guide you through the estate planning process, ensuring that your plan reflects your unique needs and preferences. Reach out to us to start crafting your estate plan in Richmond, TX.