Protect Your Legacy With A Corpus Christi Estate Planning Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy is to create a comprehensive estate plan. An experienced estate planning lawyer can look ahead, anticipate future needs and help you create a plan to preserve your wishes and protect your heirs.
My name is Veronica Garza, and I am the founder of The Garza Law Firm in Corpus Christi. I began practicing law in 2004, and I personally handle every one of my cases. I offer a compassionate, hands-on approach so that you receive clear advice and feel confident about the estate plan I create.
Building Your Comprehensive Estate Plan
Regardless of wealth, everyone needs an estate plan. A comprehensive plan gives you peace of mind and simplifies things for your family during a difficult time. Without a proper plan, the state of Texas decides who inherits your property, which may not align with your wishes.
I can assist you with various estate planning tools, including:
- Will preparation: I help you draft a valid will, which directs how your property should be distributed and names guardians for minor children.
- Trust creation: I assist in creating different types of trusts, which can offer greater control over your assets and potentially help you avoid the probate process.
- Powers of attorney: I set up documents that name trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself.
Everyone has a unique asset and wealth portfolio, which means your estate planning needs will also be unique. As your Corpus Christi estate planning lawyer, I will help you prioritize your needs and set goals. Whether you need to consider tax minimization, set up care for a disabled family member or arrange for a business succession, together, we will customize a plan that works for you.
What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?
Both a will and a trust are tools used in estate planning, but they serve different purposes. Your will dictates who should receive your property after your death. It also names an executor to carry out your instructions. If you have children, it also names a guardian.
A trust is a separate legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Because assets held in a trust legally belong to the trust, they generally avoid probate, which can save time and money, and provide more privacy for your family. As your will and trust lawyer, I can help determine if a trust is the right option for your family’s needs.
Reviewing And Updating Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is an ongoing process. You must regularly review your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current wishes and Texas law. I recommend you look at your documents after any significant life transition.
These transitions include getting married or getting a divorce. You should also update your plan if you have or adopt a child. Other life transitions, like losing a loved one or moving to a new state, are also good times to review your estate plan. Failing to update your plan after a major life change can result in unintended consequences for your beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning In Texas
If you are beginning the estate planning process in Corpus Christi, the following answers address some of the most common questions people ask when planning for the future.
What happens if a loved one passes away without a will in Texas?
If someone dies without a valid will in Texas, that person is considered to have died intestate. In that situation, Texas law controls how the estate is distributed through the probate process.
Assets are generally passed to surviving spouses, children or other relatives according to a statutory order of inheritance. While the law provides a default framework, it may not reflect the person’s actual wishes, family dynamics or financial goals. This can also create delays, additional probate costs and uncertainty for loved ones already dealing with a difficult loss.
Working with an estate planning attorney helps put your wishes in writing so the state does not make those decisions for you.
Do I need an estate plan if I have a small estate?
Yes. Estate planning is not only for individuals with significant wealth or large property portfolios. Even a modest estate benefits from clear legal planning.
A will, power of attorney and health care directives can help simplify asset transfer, reduce confusion and make sure trusted individuals can handle financial and medical decisions if you become unable to do so yourself.
An experienced lawyer can also help determine whether certain assets may pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or other planning tools.
How often can I make changes to a will or trust?
In most cases, wills and revocable trusts may be updated, amended or replaced during your lifetime.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a business sale, relocation or changes in financial circumstances are all strong reasons to review your plan. Estate planning should remain flexible so it continues to reflect your current wishes and family needs.
As your attorney, Veronica Garza can help review and revise your documents whenever major life events occur.
Can I use an estate plan to protect assets for my children?
Yes. Estate planning can be one of the most effective ways to protect assets for minor children and future generations.
Tools such as trusts, guardian designations and carefully structured beneficiary provisions can help control when and how children receive funds. Rather than leaving assets outright at a young age, a trust can allow money to be managed for education, health care and long-term support according to your instructions.
Consult A Texas Estate Planning Lawyer
Planning your estate provides peace of mind, knowing that you have protected your family’s financial future. To schedule an appointment with me at The Garza Law Firm, you can call 361-579-1042. You can also send me a message through my website.