Estate Planning in San Antonio

Estate planning is not only for the wealthy.  Even if you don’t have an expensive home, investments, or real estate, all families need a plan in the event that something happens to the family’s income. Without a plan in place, there could be a long-lasting impact on your loved ones.,

Understanding the estate planning options that are right for you can be a complex undertaking. The professionals at Weisinger Law Firm are ready to help you identify your estate planning needs, recognize potential solutions, and assist you at every step of the estate planning process.

Beneficiaries receive what you have in mind

Whether your estate consists of a few shares of stock, your grandmother’s wedding ring, a few acres of land, or a trust fund, it’s important to have a comprehensive estate plan. A major part of estate planning is designating which heirs will receive which assets, and putting a plan in place to make sure they are the recipients.

Without an estate plan, this process can take years and get messy. If you pass away without a valid will in Texas, the court may distribute your assets according to a predetermined formula. A court doesn’t know which of your family members should be receiving your assets without an estate plan. Our San Antonio estate planning attorneys can help you and your loved ones create a personalized estate plan that will make the asset designation process smooth and simple.

Avoid Paying Unnecessary taxes

The Estate Tax strikes fear into the hearts of many investors and beneficiaries. Everyone wants to know how much of their money is Uncle Sam going to take.

The Tax Reform Act of 2018 has reduced that stress and worry substantially; individuals can now pass 11.4 million dollars with zero tax liability.

This part of the Reform Act is scheduled to expire in 2025, defaulting back to an exemption of half this number. Meaning, Individuals with estates above 5 million should consider special tax planning. Our team can ensure that your loved ones don’t have to worry about taxes while mourning your loss.

Keep Family Harmony

An estate plan allows you to specify the role you want each person to play once you are no longer able to do so.  This alleviates uncertainty and provides a path for your family to work together.

We love to help you protect your legacy by providing peace through planning.

Avoid Online Solutions; An Experienced Estate Planning Attorney is the best answer

Your life’s work should not be put into a “one size fits all” template or online program. Weisinger Law Firm has certified and experienced attorneys that can help walk you through the process to avoid common pitfalls. 

It is common to see clients who drafted online plans end up spending more later to get out of the mess created.

A common mistake includes not including all assets and protecting them appropriately. Part of our Estate Planning process is reviewing all of your assets to include digital and business assets. We want to  ensure they are cared for the way you intended. 

Another common error is creating a plan that does not integrate well, such as your Will and Trust leaving the same assets to different people. This sows confusion and creates probate issues. We will harmonize all the elements of your estate plan by creating them with a seasoned estate planning attorney.

Creating a valid Will in Texas requires the Will to be executed according to State requirements. It is heartbreaking when we see an Online Will that was not notarized and have appropriate witnesses, and now the family is hearing their loved one has passed intestate (meaning without a Will).

Individuals with special needs require special planning. When creating self made Wills, it is possible to inadvertently disqualify a family member from government benefits.

To avoid expensive and messy situations, Contact one of our caring Estate Planning Attorneys today! Estate Planning is an intentional, comprehensive process, and we will guide you through every step of the way.

Cost of Estate Planning

Potential new clients often call asking for a price quote. We get it! We like to know what to expect too. Estate Plans are custom built to each individual, we need to know specifics to make sure we build to your needs. 

Estate planning is similar to any building project. We need to review the needs and wants of the client  to determine which tools and materials are best for this job. Estate planning variables include factors such as a blended family, family members with special needs, the desire to add special provisions or gifting in your plan, additional land, or you own a business.

How to Avoid Probate

Proper Estate Planning saves your family money, time and heartache.  Passing without a Will requires Probate Intestate, which is a lengthy process to determine how your estate will be divided. The Intestate process can become complicated based on your family dynamics, and can take over a year(s) to complete. Common variables that extend Probate; children or family members who are not on speaking terms, blended families, and difficulty determining heirs. This process is expensive and can cause further division in families. 

Other examples of things that may get messy if you do not have valid and comprehensive Estate Plan include:

• Dying with a self-drafted will could invite a will contest from a disappointed family member. Litigating that dispute can drain the value of the estate very quickly.
• Creating the wrong estate planning documents can also delay your family’s ability to access money when you die. That only increases financial stress.
• Medical emergencies that leave you incapacitated can also sow anger and disagreement because you lack clear health information releases and a medical power of attorney.
• Using the wrong estate plans can also increase the taxes your heirs end up paying, decreasing the value of the estate.
• Choosing the wrong executor for your estate can delay probate and lead to errors, which reduce any inheritance. An estate attorney can help you think through who to nominate to serve in this role.

Our favorite moments are when a client has completed their plan and feels the weight lift off their shoulders. We call it peace through planning. Our second favorite moment is when your child calls concerned about the probate process and you planned so well there is nothing they need to do. It has all been taken care of.

This is the hallmark of what we do, provide peace to our community through specialized estate planning.

Are Our Estate Attorneys the Right Choice for You?

The most important piece in determining the right attorney for you is finding someone you enjoy and feel comfortable talking to. If you have reservations about sharing information with your attorney, you may withhold important pieces of the puzzle from him or her. For example, if you feel uncomfortable sharing financial information and you withhold accounts, your attorney will not be able to complete the picture and make sure your estate is covered. 

Once you have found someone you trust, the right fit w  Here at Weisinger Law Firm,  most estate plans can be created in less than two appointments, however, we want you to feel comfortable calling and asking questions. We will continue to support and educate you through the process to make sure you know how your plan works and that it is built to your desires.

Estate Planning is a specialty area of the law that involves putting a plan in place to take care of what is most important to you. At Weisinger Law Firm we focus on Estate Planning.

After your estate plan is signed, we have a team that works to ensure your documents are executed thoroughly and properly. We call it our Prep to Close Process. It is our white-glove service to ensure each page of your plan is good to go.

Do I Need To Update My Estate Plan?

Congrats on getting your estate plan complete. You have given your family a beautiful gift of peace by planning ahead.

As life changes, you may find your current plan no longer represents your wishes or needs. We know this well from our own personal experiences, but also through helping many clients just like you.

To keep your plan current we recommend that you pull out your plan once a year and make a quick review to ensure your plan is still what you want.

We recommend having an appointment with your attorney after major life changes, which can include:

• Marriage or Remarriage
• Birth or Adoption of a Child
• Death to beneficiary, heir, or one of your listed agents
• Acquisition of major assets
• Divorce
• Moving into Texas from a different state or country

If one of these instances has happened since the last time you updated your plan, it’s time to update it! Call today to schedule your appointment!

Call Our San Antonio, TX Estate Planning Attorneys Today

At Weisinger Law Firm, PLLC, our Texas estate planning lawyers are experienced, reliable advocates for people and families. We are here to help you find peace, security, and support through personalized planning. Contact us today for a confidential initial consultation.

From our office in San Antonio, we offer estate planning services throughout the region, including in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Garden Ridge, Shavano Park, Timberwood Park, Spring Branch, Terrell Hills, Hollywood Park, Alamo Heights, Schertz, and Windcrest.