According to Forbes, nearly 50 percent of Americans do not have the most basic estate planning documents. This is because most people are not aware of the many estate planning documents available to them, while others do not fully understand the benefits of having a trust, will or a health care directive. An experienced estate planning attorney is dedicated to helping families understand the importance of having a strong, executable estate plan. The lawyer takes the time to get to know their client and their particular needs. They then provide reliable legal counsel to help them make well-informed decisions about their future. Proficient estate planning lawyers know that no two clients are alike. Thus, they personalize their estate planning representation to meet the unique needs of every client. Here are the top reasons to work a committed estate planning attorney in Azle TX.
Creating Accurate and Clear Documents
A common downfall of many estate plans is that they unclear, and fail to portray the individual’s wishes accurately. A skilled estate planning lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the estate law. The lawyer will make sure that all estate planning documents are clear so that the final wishes of an individual are executed as they had hoped.
Avoiding Probate
If the deceased person has left an estate for their loved ones using a will, everything will pass through a probate process. The process is long and complicated. There are nearly 1,000 individual steps, which must be completed, from the initial petition to the final distribution. A proficient estate law attorney can help their client plan their estate correctly so that assets pass on to the named beneficiaries without undergoing probate.
Minimize Estate Tax Liability
If an estate is going to be subject to state and federal taxes, it is vital to hire an experienced estate law attorney. The lawyer can provide reliable information about how taxes can affect an estate, and take the necessary steps to minimize their liability.
Other critical roles played by a qualified estate planning attorney in Azle TX include personalizing estate plans, protecting health and finances, and ensuring that fiduciary duties are executed accordingly.