Some people believe that estate planning is only for the rich, but that isn’t true. In fact, people from all walks of life can greatly benefit from having an estate plan that is tailored to their needs. Your estate plan can accomplish many important goals, including:

  • Distributing your assets upon your death the way you intend
  • Making your wishes known in the event you become incapacitated
  • Guiding your loved ones upon your death or incapacity

Our Waco estate planning attorneys meet the estate state planning needs of people across Central Texas. With our knowledgeable lawyer on your side, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs will be handled smoothly. We offer reasonable fees and flexible payment plans.

Your Estate Plan

There are many different estate planning tools that can accomplish various goals. At Simer & Tetens Law, our standard estate planning package includes the following documents:

  • A will
  • Guardianship declaration
  • Durable power of attorney
  • Medical power of attorney
  • HIPAA release form
  • Medical directive, or do not resuscitate order (DNR)
  • Burial instructions

Estate planning is not just a matter of filling out forms; rather, your estate plan needs to reflect your exact goals.

Before we prepare any of these documents, we will talk to you about your needs, working closely with you to customize these documents to your specific situation. Our combination of skilled legal representation and prompt, attentive client service can make a world of difference.

Preparing Your Will with Our Waco Estate Planning Attorneys

Ideally, your will should clearly and simply state who will receive your assets when you die. While many people do not have a will, there are times in life where the need for a will becomes obvious.

For instance, if you are a young family starting out in life, or if you have entered into a second marriage and have children from a previous marriage, a will is especially important.

If you need a will, it is important to work with a lawyer who can take the time to ensure that your will reflects your wishes. At Simer & Tetens, we help people prepare wills and other estate planning documents.

Creating Your Will With Care And Attention To Detail

Wills must meet many specific requirements or they will be invalid. If your will is invalid, your assets will pass to your family members according to Texas law. This may not reflect your wishes and could create unnecessary disagreements among your loved ones.

In addition, if your will is vague or unclear, a family member may challenge the will. This could tie up your estate in litigation.

At our law firm, we do everything we can to avoid these problems. Our attorney, Samantha Kehl, will partner with you to help you create a will that reflects your needs. At the same time, we want to help you understand the law, the legal requirements for a will, and how these laws apply to your situation.

In addition, as your life changes, we can be there to change your will to reflect these changes. We are ready to help you with your estate planning needs now and in the years to come.

Taking You Step By Step Through The Probate Process

The weeks and months following the death of a parent, spouse or other loved one is a time of grief and sorrow.

If you were named the executor of your loved one’s will, or if you were appointed to be the personal representative if your loved one died without a will, you have inherited some significant responsibilities.

The probate process can be very challenging, especially for people who do not fully understand these duties. Not only that, the probate process can take a lot of time. A knowledgeable estate planning lawyer can perform these duties in an efficient, timely fashion.

As a small law firm, we place a premium on client service and will provide compassionate, understanding service while navigating the probate process for you. While based in Waco, we serve clients throughout the region.

Executors must perform numerous tasks in order to complete probate. These tasks include:

  • Gathering and taking inventory of the estate’s assets
  • Notifying creditors
  • Paying valid debts
  • Distributing estate assets to heirs

Get Help From Our Waco Estate Planning Attorneys Today

If your loved one died without a will, the assets will be distributed according to Texas law.

Many people are rightfully concerned with how long probate can take. Our attorney, Samantha Kehl, will look for ways to keep the process moving without any undue delay. At the same time, we will strive to minimize the costs associated with probate. At all times we are committed to providing efficient, effective legal counsel during a difficult time.

You can reach our Law Office of Simer Tetens attorneys today for a free consultation by calling us directly at 254-412-2300 or by sending us a message online.