Planning For Your Future And The Future Of Your Family
The best way to secure your legacy is with a well-crafted estate plan. At Diana G. Bertini, PLLC, I have helped people across southeast Texas plan for their golden years and ensure that their families will be taken care of after they are gone. I take the time to get to know the people I work with to better understand their needs and goals. When you hire me, I take an analytical approach to creating a plan that is customized to your goals and wishes. I will explain the pros and cons of all your options so you can make informed decisions.
Wills, Power of Attorneys, and Advance Health Care Directives
Wills and advance health care directives (also known as living wills) are great places to start building an estate plan. Even if you plan to put assets into a trust, a will allows you to name a guardian for minor children and vulnerable adults. A power of attorney document allows you to name a person of your choice to make decisions on your behalf about your property, finances or medical care rather than relying on the court. A living will or health care directive explains your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It typically covers the level of medical intervention you want, your comfort care preferences, and your wishes concerning organ and tissue donation. I recommend that all my clients get a will and a health care directive.
Establishing A Guardianship Through Probate Court
Applying for guardianship in Texas can be a simple and straightforward process if the proposed ward signs a designation of guardian form and the application is not contested. But even then, it is helpful to have an attorney assist in filing the application. In cases where the guardianship is contested by outside parties or the proposed ward feels that they are mentally competent and do not need a guardian, I can help guide you through the guardianship hearing. I will explain the process and make sure that you take all appropriate actions to meet the court’s demands.
Guiding People Through The Probate Process
I work with people named as will administrators to help them avoid potential errors. Whether your loved one died with or without a will, I can guide you through the process, including helping with details such as:
- Submitting the will to probate and getting it validated
- Assisting in creating an inventory of assets and debts
- Processing creditor claims
- Verifying and locating beneficiaries and heirs
- Working with you to prepare the estate tax return
- Aiding you in distributing assets to beneficiaries or heirs
- Drafting and filing the court-mandated final accounting
If your loved one died without a will, I can also help you prepare and submit an affidavit of heirship. These are commonly used when the assets in the estate are mainly real property in the deceased’s name.
Get Started By Calling Today
Whether you are just getting started or need to make changes to existing planning documents, I can help. Call my office today to schedule a consultation at 409-995-1970. You can also fill out my contact form online.