With Attorney Ashton Taylor, from the A. Taylor Law Firm, PLLC, you can safeguard your assets and have your final wishes respected.

Being an estate planning attorney in Houston, Texas Attorney Ashton Taylor is well-versed in the local laws and can guide you through your options under Texas law and will collaborate with you to create a personalized plan that you can rely on.

Unlike some estate planning attorneys who adopt a generic approach, Attorney Ashton Taylor understands the significance of addressing each client's unique requirements. By attentively listening to your needs, he will assist you in crafting an estate plan that reflects your personal priorities and achieves your objectives.

Take the first step towards securing your estate by reaching out to The A. Taylor Law Firm now or continue reading to explore further insights into estate planning and the services Attorney Ashton Taylor provides.

Be Unambiguous About Your Wishes

Through estate planning, you have the chance to meticulously contemplate the management of your estate. Deliberately consider the requirements of your loved ones and exercise your own discernment to ensure their well-being.

Beyond merely distributing assets, you can also designate administrators for your estate, guardians for your children, and individuals who will make crucial healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Empowers You to Take Charge

When it comes to your possessions, the authority should rest solely with you.

The unique bonds you've formed with family and friends entitle you to decide how you'll be remembered by them. Leaving such crucial decisions to the state is something you'd rather avoid.

Preserves Strong Family Bonds

When your wishes are clearly documented, it becomes much more challenging for family members to dispute them. By having a well-structured plan in place, potential conflicts among family members can be minimized or even avoided entirely.

Furthermore, estate planning eases the burden on your family, sparing them from the distress of making tough choices concerning your health, children, or assets. With a thoughtfully prepared estate plan, you grant them the gift of clarity and peace of mind.

Safeguards Your Wealth

Having dedicated your life to hard work and saving, you deserve the right to determine how your assets are utilized. However, without meticulous planning, your estate might be eroded by taxes, fees, and creditors.

By consulting with the A. Taylor Law Firm, you can create an estate plan that maximizes the financial benefits for your loved ones, ensuring that your hard-earned money remains in their hands.

Consequences of Not Having an Estate Plan

When someone passes away without an estate plan, the state takes charge of distributing their assets according to its intestacy laws.

In the case of Texas, the distribution rules vary depending on whether the decedent had a surviving spouse and whether the property is considered "community" (shared by the couple) or "separate" (belonging solely to the decedent).

If the decedent has no surviving spouse, the estate will be inherited in the following order:

• Children and descendants of deceased children.
• Parents (if both parents are alive);
• One-half to the living parent and one-half to siblings (or descendants of deceased siblings) if only one parent is living.
• Siblings and descendants of deceased siblings; or
• Half to paternal relatives and half to maternal relatives, as specified in the statute.

On the other hand, if the decedent has a surviving spouse, half of their community property will go to the spouse unless the decedent has children from a different relationship.

In such a case, half of the community property will be divided among all their children (or their descendants if the children are deceased).

Regarding separate property, the state will allocate it between the decedent's spouse and children, following the guidelines set out in the statute. If the decedent has no children, a portion of their separate property may pass to other family members as stipulated by the law.

Implications of Dying Without an Estate Plan

When you pass away without an estate plan, the state takes control of dividing your property, leading to various unfavorable outcomes, such as:

• Undeserving or disliked individuals may inherit a part of your estate.
• People you would have liked to leave something to, including more distant relatives or non-relatives, might not receive any inheritance.
• You lose the opportunity to personally allocate specific properties to particular individuals.
• Your spouse may be compelled to relinquish a portion of jointly owned assets, like your home, to other beneficiaries.
• If you have minor children, their future may be subject to court decisions.
• Your estate will undergo probate, potentially reducing its overall value.
• You miss out on potential tax savings.
• Creditors of your heirs could claim a portion of your estate.

To safeguard your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes, it is crucial to consult an estate planning lawyer. Ashton Taylor will diligently work to uphold your desires and protect your estate's integrity.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Solutions

At The A. Taylor Law Firm, PLLC, we offer a range of estate planning services meticulously designed to suit your specific requirements, including:

• Drafting basic wills to ensure your wishes are legally documented.
• Managing and reviewing your assets to optimize their protection.
• Creating medical plans to outline your healthcare preferences.
• Establishing guardianships for your dependents' well-being.
• Setting up trusts to safeguard and manage your assets for the future.
• Facilitating charitable giving to support causes close to your heart.
• Conducting estate and gift tax planning to minimize tax liabilities.
• Providing expert guidance on marital agreements.

Reach out to esteemed estate planning lawyer, Ashton Taylor, and together, we will customize an estate plan tailored to your unique circumstances. To secure your assets and plan for the future, contact The A. Taylor Law Firm, PLLC today at 832-746-6261 or conveniently fill out an online form.