Death is never an easy thing to cope with and it can affect people in many different ways. Coping with the idea of a family member’s passing or one’s own passing is an emotional process that we all must deal with at some point and it can also force us to think about financial readjustments for the future. With these concerns in mind, the legal aspect of death must also be considered. After a person’s passing, a death certificate is issued, and the distribution of the deceased’s estate must be handled. A person’s estate consists of the real and personal property which the person owns at the time of death. Real property can include land, oil, gas, and other mineral interests. Personal property includes objects of value that are anything other than real property, such as bank accounts, cash monies, personal effects, household furnishings, motor vehicles, stocks and bonds, life insurance policies, or government, retirement or employee benefits. Estate planning, then, is the planned distribution of an estate and is something everyone should consider to strengthen and ensure the financial security of their families. Wills and trusts declare who will receive the estate upon death. In the event of a person’s passing, titled property owned by the estate usually must be transferred in court. Though the purpose of the court is to protect the interests and rights of the direct family members of the deceased – or anyone entitled to receive property – often complications exist and conflicts arise. Should a will be found invalid in court, for example, distribution of properties or assets of the deceased fall subject to the control of the courts as the statutes provide. This is why seeking legal help from an experienced Texas elder law attorney can serve to protect your assets and ensure that all property is distributed according to your wishes. We know that you are concerned with the well-being of your family, and trusting Patrick Hubbard to help you construct a will or trust plan will help eliminate the risk of your property not being distributed according to your intent. Getting Peace of Mind Today for a Secure Tomorrow Money and other property accumulated over a lifetime of hard work may go to waste if you don’t plan carefully. Should you pass away without a will, under intestate distribution statutes in the state of Texas, your property could pass on to undesired heirs instead of the people who you would have chosen to benefit. Fortunately, should you choose to seek legal help, drafting a will or trust could help ensure that your property is distributed in just the way you choose. Wills and trusts are legal documents in which you can state how and to whom you wish your property to be distributed in the event that you pass away. Living Trusts can be helpful if you become incapacitated by eliminating the need for guardianship as well as passing your property to your intended beneficiaries at your death. By naming specific individuals to manage property or inherit money in your will or trust, costly problems that arise from a person passing on without a will can be avoided. Asset protection trusts, are trusts which can provide an effective method of property management for people who may be incapable of managing their own finances, such as children, minors, or those who require special needs planning. Though considering drafting a will or trust plan may feel confusing and complex, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you may think. Speaking with an attorney can help you better prepare your family for the future and ensure that your property goes to those who deserve it. You may never know the full impact of securing your family’s future but contacting our firm is an excellent place to start. Helping You Improve Your Long-Term Care Planning The safety of your family’s future is invaluable. Patrick G. Hubbard understands the value of family and your concerns with financial security for future generations. A large portion of our practice is devoted to helping our clients create the most effective estate planning strategies that will not only protect assets while a person is living but help ensure the growth and security of life savings in the future. We have more than four decades of legal experience and we wish to bring our knowledge to families who are creating long-term care plans. If you are thinking of drafting a will or need assistance with developing a will or plan that will be successful for your family, contact us today. DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Contact Patrick G. Hubbard Firm for a confidential consultation to assist you with your legal needs. Licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Texas. Fill out our new client information form before you meet with us! Subscribe to our mailing list We are located in The Anchor business park in Kingwood. Mon - Thu: 9AM - 5PM Fri - Sun: Closed Ph. 281-358-7035 • Fax 281-358-7008 • 1525 Lakeville Dr., Suite 133, Kingwood, TX 77339 www.patrickhubbardlaw.com © Patrick G. Hubbard Law Firm