No one really likes talking about estate planning. It feels heavy, like you’re planning for something far off or something you’d rather not think about at all. But here’s the truth: planning ahead isn’t just about death. It’s about control, peace of mind, and making life easier for the people you love.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I work with individuals and families throughout Texas to create plans that protect assets, provide clarity, and avoid unnecessary headaches down the road. Whether it’s drafting a will, setting up a living trust, or preparing powers of attorney, having an estate planning attorney on your side can make a difficult process surprisingly straightforward.
If you don’t make a plan, the state of Texas will make one for you. And trust me, the way the law divides property isn’t always how families would want it handled. Even worse, not having clear documents can leave your loved ones arguing, confused, or stuck in long court battles during an already stressful time.
Estate planning puts you in the driver’s seat. You get to decide who inherits what, who manages your finances if you can’t, and who makes medical decisions on your behalf.
For most people, the first step is a will. A will is a written document that spells out how your property should be distributed after your death.
As a wills and trusts lawyer, I’ve seen families torn apart because someone passed away without a will. Even small estates can create conflict if nothing is written down. With a valid will, you can:
A will doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done right.
While wills are important, they aren’t always enough. That’s where trusts come in. A trust is a legal arrangement that lets you set aside assets to be managed for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries.
As a living trust attorney, I often recommend trusts when clients want more control, privacy, or protection. Benefits of a living trust include:
Living trusts aren’t just for the wealthy. They’re a practical tool for many families who want to make things simpler and more private.
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after death—it’s also about protecting yourself while you’re alive. If something happens and you can’t manage your own affairs, who will step in?
A power of attorney lawyer can draft documents that answer that question clearly:
Without these documents, your family may have to go to court to get the authority to help you—which can be expensive, slow, and stressful.
One of the biggest reasons people come to me for estate planning is to avoid probate. Probate can be time-consuming, costly, and very public. With the right mix of wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations, you can make the process much easier for your loved ones.
Not every estate can completely avoid probate, but smart planning can reduce the hassle significantly.
I’ve sat with families who had to spend months sorting through probate court because there was no clear estate plan. I’ve also seen the relief on a client’s face when they finished signing their will or setting up a trust, knowing their loved ones wouldn’t be stuck with those problems.
Estate planning isn’t about being morbid—it’s about taking care of people. Think of it as one final act of love and responsibility.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
Not always. Many families start with a will. A trust may be added if privacy, probate avoidance, or asset protection are priorities.
How often should I update my plan?
Every few years, or whenever there’s a big life change—marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant financial changes.
What if I already have a will from years ago?
It may still work, but laws and life circumstances change. It’s smart to review and update it.
Is estate planning expensive?
Not compared to the costs of probate and disputes. Most people find it’s an investment that saves money and stress later.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I don’t just hand over forms and call it a day. Estate planning is personal. I take the time to understand your goals, your family dynamics, and your concerns. Then we put together documents that reflect your wishes clearly and practically.
You can learn more at www.keithwierlaw.com.
Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to be something you put off until “later.” The sooner you create a plan, the sooner you’ll have peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.
Whether you need a simple will, a detailed trust, or powers of attorney that cover all the “what if” situations, working with an estate planning attorney ensures it’s done right.
Reach out to the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC to start the conversation. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs today and protects your family tomorrow.
Visit www.keithwierlaw.com to learn more.