Probate Avoidance - Do You Need It?

Probate is not as Complicated as You Think

Most of us have heard horror stories about the time and expense involved in probating an estate. Almost always most of the wasted time and money could have been saved through a well drafted will that clearly explained the deceased’s wishes. In the normal circumstance, an uncontested will can be probated for fees and court costs of $1,500 or less and the matter can be resolved within a few months of death.

Attorney Steve Howen has devoted a lot of time and energy to his development of the Family Lifeguard Plan. The end result is the probate of your estate will be quick and inexpensive.

The probate of your estate can be a seamless process for your loved ones. Contact a Richardson lawyer now to arrange your consultation and feel the peace of mind that comes with our $500 Family Lifeguard Plan.

How does a living trust affect the probate process?

You may have heard about “living trusts” that allow an estate to avoid probate all together. With a living trust, you “give” all of your assets to a Trust of which you are trustee. When you die, there is no need to probate the estate because you do not own anything—the trust does. Your successor trustee deals with the trust property without any Court supervision.

Living trusts first became popular in states like California where the probate process is significantly more expensive and time consuming than our Texas system. In other words, while cost and time are often good reasons to avoid probate, that is not usually the case in Texas. Also, establishing and maintaining a living trust is more expensive and time consuming than drafting a will.

For most Texans we feel that a well drafted will is the best approach to estate planning but it is always helpful to discuss these issues with a lawyer. And that's what our firm is here for. Steve encourages clients to ask him questions. He wants this process to be simple, efficient and affordable. Don't wait any longer. Contact us today. We serve people throughout North Dallas, Richardson, Plano and the surrounding areas.