Houston Probate Attorney – Finding a Houston Probate Attorney

Hiring a Houston probate attorney to guide you through the probate process or administer your will is a wise decision. Probate laws can be quite complex; especially if you live is states like Texas and Florida where Homestead protection and other local issues can complicate the settlement of estates. The purpose of probate is to clear the property title and to distribute the decedent's estate according to their will. If a person dies without a will, the probate process can be long and arduous, another good reason to consider hiring a Houston probate attorney.

How a Houston Probate Attorney can Help You

When a person dies, a representative of their estate oversees the settlement of that estate, ensuring that property ownership is properly transferred, taxes and debts are paid, and that designated beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to either according to the decedent's will or probate law. Having a Houston probate attorney review your estate could save you and your family a good deal of money and hassle, as going through the probate process is not absolutely necessary. Let's take a look at some of the ways you can avoid probate, and save some cash by hiring a Houston probate attorney.

A Houston Probate Attorney can Help You with Estate Planning

Everybody's life and circumstances are unique, so it's well worth hiring a Houston probate lawyer to analyze your specific needs and circumstances. Clever estate planning can be very advantageous in the long run, preparing you and your family for anything life may throw at you. Knowing that your affairs are in order, and that you and your loved ones will be cared for, brings a peace of mind that few people ever know. The areas of importance that a Houston Probate attorney will help you address are:

• Estate Disposition – Your assets will be distributed exactly as you wish. Having documentation that expresses those wishes clearly and legally avoids the unfortunate occurrence of arguments and misunderstandings that frequently occur when there is no will. A Houston probate attorney will help you to achieve that, and also assist you in selecting an appropriate executor or fiduciaries – those who will supervise the settlement of your estate.
• Protection of Your Assets – A Houston probate attorney can help to protect the inheritance of your beneficiaries by reducing your estates liability to taxes and legal fees, while helping you to choose appropriate Medicaid planning to help reduce health care costs, thus preserving more of your assets for future generations.
• Managing Your Assets – Your assets can be effectively managed during your lifetime by consulting a Houston probate attorney. Understanding living trusts and correctly drafted powers of attorney ensure that only people that you trust are given the power and privilege of to manage your affairs should you become unable to.
• Health Care – A Houston probate attorney can help you to craft medical directives and specific powers of attorney regarding your medical decisions so that your future caregivers and your loved ones will know your exact wishes, thus removing a potential burden from the shoulders of your family.

• Guardianship – In the event of your death you may require someone to care for any young children you may leave behind. Your probate attorney can help you select a guardian, and draft the necessary paperwork to ensure that care of your minor children is placed into the hands of someone that they and you love and trust, rather than being given over to care of the state, or other relatives squabbling over them during the probate process.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when planning your estate. Hiring a Houston probate attorney to guide you through the process will ensure an easier future for your family. Probate can be an exacting process, and if you are in the unfortunate position of being a beneficiary of someone who died without a will, a Houston probate attorney can advise you as to all of your options regarding the administration of the estate, and help to accomplish probate in an efficient and timely manner.