Estate & Disability Planning

In Mineola and throughout Northeast Texas, the Campbell Law Firm, PC (CLF) assists clients with estate and disability planning matters, including wills, trusts, and probate.

Estate Planning

Estate planning involves the effective and efficient transfer of assets at death in accordance with one's wishes, while minimizing potential tax consequences and protecting against challenges to the transfer.  A comprehensive estate plan also provides an effective plan for the management of one's assets and medical needs in the event of their subsequent disability or incapacity, as described in more detail below.

Probate

Probate is the process by which the court administers the estate of a person who has died (the "decedent").  The court transfers legal title to the decedent's property over to the decedent's heirs or designated beneficiaries.  If there is a will, the court will determine whether the will is valid and will hear any disputes as to the interpretation of the will.  If no will exists, the court will distribute the property according to the Texas laws of intestate succession.  At CLF, we assist clients in the probate of wills as well as in probate cases where the decedent did not leave a will.    

Wills and Trusts

As part of our comprehensive estate planning services, CLF assists clients in the preparation of  wills, trusts and related documents.  Wills and trusts allow you to specify how your estate will be divided and distributed upon your death.  The primary difference between a will and a trust is that a will requires probate administration, while a properly created and funded trust does not require probate.  Depending on your personal and financial situation, your estate planning lawyer may recommend using any of the following types of instruments:

• Wills
• Revocable living trusts
• Irrevocable trusts

Disability Planning

Disability planning allows you to prepare for the possibility that at some time in the future you may be unable to make financial or health care decisions for yourself.  A disability plan allows you to designate trusted individuals who can make these important decisions on your behalf.  Planning for the possibility of incapacity or disability can save your loved ones from significant anguish in the future, and can avoid the necessity for a costly guardianship proceeding.  Your lawyer will help you determine the documents that are appropriate for you, such as:

• Durable powers of attorney for financial matters
• Medical powers of attorney
• Directives to physicians and family or surrogates
• Declarations for mental health treatment
• Special Needs Trusts
• Living Wills

Seek Advice from an Experienced Attorney

To learn more about our services or to speak with an experienced estate and disability planning attorney, contact the Campbell Law Firm, PC today for a free initial consultation.