Monday 22 April 2013

What Assistance May A Houston Estate Planning Attorney Give?

By Yael Valela


Estate planning - is it really necessary? Many do not believe in estate planning especially before the age of 60 or 70. We always think that we have enough time to take care of our estates and other assets when we are older. Our busy lives prevent us from sitting down with a Houston estate planning attorney and carefully plan what to do. What's more, many are not so keen about thinking of their own mortality. However, as much as we hate to think about it, it is the responsible thing to do for our children, spouses and other loved ones.

As owners of real properties, you need to be aware that there are often conflicts between families after the death of a family member. In the event that there was no estate planning and no will, they may disagree with each other on who is to receive which property, money or belongings. These disagreements usually lead to lawsuits. So, how do you avoid this? The first step is to contact an experienced Houston estate planning attorney who can help you with your estate planning. How?

* By hiring a Houston estate planning attorney, he can assist you in making decisions regarding the division of your properties. You need to disclose to him the properties and other things that you own and where the location us so that preparations could be done.

* Your lawyer can also help you with preparations regarding who will manage your estates if you reach a point of incapacity. This is very important, especially if you own several properties. There are unfortunately unscrupulous people who will try to influence a person who is incapacitated in order to take control of their assets.

* Many couples don't consider how joint assets will be divided in their wills if they happen to divorce. The focus is usually on splitting things in the current day, rather than how possessions may be allocated in inheritance to their children. It can be beneficial to consider these issues during the course of a divorce, though. A Houston estate planning attorney will be able to explain how this works and walk you through the process.

* While you are still in good health, your relatives and other loved ones may all seem caring and loving but people change when you suddenly meet an accident or fall very ill. We can never foresee the future and if this happens, your very young children need to be sheltered from people who may have an interest in what is rightfully theirs. Your Houston estate planning attorney will try their very best to ensure that your assets will eventually be inherited by your children.

* Professionals know the laws in each state and will give you advice that is, of course, beneficial to you and your beneficiaries. Each state could have different laws regarding estates so it is important to consult someone who has knowledge about such laws to deal with your properties in different states.

We may not like thinking of a future without us in it, but for the sake of your children and loved ones, planning ahead with the help of a trained Houston estate planning attorney could be one of the best gifts you could give them.




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