At the Law Office of Erin C. Callahan, PLLC we provide personalized Estate Planning services to clients throughout League City and the surrounding metroplex. We understand that every Estate is unique and we will work closely with you and your family to establish a plan that meets your needs.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning has always been a legal and monetary obligation incorrectly set aside for much later in life than it ever should be. The truth is that a proper estate plan is something that can benefit you and your loved ones in life and death and it is not at all the morbid planning process many think it to be. What exactly is an estate plan? Estate planning is a legal term that refers to putting in place a strategy for what and how to disperse your property, plan for your family and much more when you pass. Estate Planning is essential because it includes and protects everything you own, no matter the size. Your estate is comprised of things like your: car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, digital and online accounts, personal possessions, and even pets. Also included in many estate plans are the most important things in your life- how to care and provide for minor children and other dependents.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning has always been a legal and monetary obligation incorrectly set aside for much later in life than it ever should be. The truth is that a proper estate plan is something that can benefit you and your loved ones in life and death and it is not at all the morbid planning process many think it to be. What exactly is an estate plan? Estate planning is a legal term that refers to putting in place a strategy for what and how to disperse your property, plan for your family and much more when you pass. Estate Planning is essential because it includes and protects everything you own, no matter the size. Your estate is comprised of things like your: car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, digital and online accounts, personal possessions, and even pets. Also included in many estate plans are the most important things in your life- how to care and provide for minor children and other dependents.
Who needs an estate plan?
If you own any real estate, have financial investments, have a family, or have recently changed the dynamics of your family then the time to make or revise your estate plan is NOW. Do not make the all too common mistake of putting off this vital plan or trying to save money with a stock DIY form that may not adequately reflect your situation or contain fatal errors. Working with Erin C. Callahan means that you are getting a comprehensive and custom estate plan. Erin also takes into consideration any business holdings you may have and is skilled in a range of Texas business law practice areas in addition to her wills and estate planning work. Some areas of the Law Offices of Erin C. Callahan can help you and your family with include:
Types of estate planning documents
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Living wills
- Medical directives
Why have a League City estate plan?
- Execute your current and future wishes
- Provide for minors
- Protect your assets
- Save money now and in the future
- Spare your family the stress and confusion
- Gain peace of mind
What services does the Law Office of Erin C. Callahan offer?
What’s Involved?
Creating an Estate Plan is a multistep process that involves not just a Will or a Trust but also your ancillary documents, like a Medical Power of Attorney, that helps your family if you are disabled or your Disposition of Remains which discusses your funeral and Celebration of Life wishes.
- Wills
A Will is a document where you identify who you are, who your family members are, and who you want to leave your assets to. - Trusts
A Trust is a legal vehicle that holds title to land or property for a beneficiary by a fiduciary who makes decisions for the beneficiary. - Medical and Durable Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney appoints a person to manage your healthcare or financial affairs if you become unable to do so. - Directive to Physicians (Living Wills)
The Directive to Physicians is a document that helps you communicate your wishes about medical treatment during end of life when you are unable to make your wishes known. - HIPAA Authorization
Patients have the right to privacy of their protected health information. This document gives the right to access someone’s medical records. - Appointment for Disposition of Remain
An Appointment for Disposition of Remains allows you to appoint an agent that will handle your affairs after you pass away. Your agent will follow the instructions in the document which controls your burial wishes, cremation plans, desired funeral director, and the funeral establishment. - Declaration of Guardian Before Need Arises
The Declaration of Guardian is a document that allows you to make a declaration of who would serve as your Guardian if you are declared incapacitated at some point in the future. - Declaration of Guardian for My Children
The Declaration of Guardian is a document that allows you to make a declaration of who would serve as Guardian of your children if you are declared incapacitated or pass away at some point in the future. - Declaration for Mental Health Treatment
Declaration for Mental Health Treatment. This document allows you to make decisions in advance about mental health treatment.
Why should I have an attorney do my estate planning?
A will can be invalidated if it is not drafted correctly. Often the language in an online will template is not state specific or lacks personalization needed for your specific circumstances. People that write their own wills are not aware of specific laws (for example in Texas if you create your own will it MUST be handwritten). All these things can lead to your will being invalidated after you pass which means your beneficiaries and family might have to spend time and money fighting in probate court. I recommend you have an attorney draft your will and estate planning documents to avoid these common pitfalls.
Estate Planning Process of Erin C. Callahan
You can expect a specific step-by-step process when creating wills and estate plans to ensure that nothing is missed and all of your assets are properly distributed. The following are the six steps you can anticipate:
- Call Us!
During this part of the estate planning process, you will provide us with basic contact information and begin to identify and express your goals and concerns. - FREE Consultation
We will meet with you to discuss your background, family, goals, and concerns all free of charge. This is when we will gather all the information we need to draft your will. At the end of this meeting, we will provide you with the estimated cost to implement your estate plan - We Draft Your Will
We will take all the information gathered during your free consultation and draft an estate plan that is tailored to your needs. - Review Your Will
We will deliver your estate planning documents (digitally or in person). This is the time for you to provide us with any updates or changes. - Sign Your Estate Plan
We will meet you at our office or at your choice of locations (i.e., at home on the weekend or at work during your lunch break). We will have all of your estate planning documents with us to be signed and notarized.