At the Law Office of Sheila D. Brown, I believe estate planning is for everyone—not just the wealthy or elderly. Whether you're starting your career, raising a family, or preparing for retirement, having a plan in place ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Below, I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about estate planning in Texas, helping you take the first step toward securing your future.
1. Who Needs an Estate Plan?
✅ Anyone who owns assets (home, car, savings, business)
✅ Parents with minor children (guardianship planning is crucial!)
✅ Young professionals starting to build wealth
✅ Retirees and seniors wanting to protect their legacy
✅ Individuals with medical concerns or disabilities
Estate planning isn't just about money—it's about control, protection, and peace of mind.
2. Is Estate Planning Only for the Wealthy?
Absolutely not! Estate planning is about more than just wealth. It covers:
✔ Naming guardians for your children
✔ Protecting your family home
✔ Avoiding unnecessary court delays
✔ Ensuring healthcare and financial decisions are made by the right person
Even small estates can benefit from a well-structured plan.
3. What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Texas?
If you pass away without a will, Texas intestacy laws decide who gets your assets. This often means:
🚨 Assets may go to relatives you wouldn't have chosen
🚨 Courts decide who raises your children
🚨 Longer, costlier probate process
🚨 Unmarried partners, stepchildren, or charities may receive nothing
A will lets YOU make these decisions instead of the state.
4. How Do I Get Started with Estate Planning?
📌 Step 1: Schedule a free 15-minute consultation at 888-294-0491
📌 Step 2: Gather important documents (property deeds, account info, insurance policies)
📌 Step 3: Meet with Attorney Sheila D. Brown to create a personalized plan
📌 Step 4: Sign and execute your documents
It's that easy!
5. What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
| Feature | Will | Trust |
|---|---|---|
|
Avoids Probate? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
When It Takes Effect |
After death |
Can be active while alive |
|
Privacy |
Public |
Private |
|
Controls Asset Distribution? |
Limited |
Flexible |
|
Includes Incapacity Planning? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
Many people benefit from having both a will and a trust!
6. Should Young Adults and College Students Have an Estate Plan?
Yes! If you're 18 or older, you should at least have:
✔ Medical Power of Attorney – Allows someone to make medical decisions if you're incapacitated.
✔ Durable Power of Attorney – Appoints someone to handle finances if you can't.
✔ HIPAA Release – Allows family members to access your medical information.
Parents cannot automatically make medical or financial decisions for their adult children!
7. Do I Need to Update My Estate Plan?
Life changes—your estate plan should too! Update it after:
✔ Marriage or divorce
✔ Birth or adoption of a child
✔ Buying property or starting a business
✔ Receiving an inheritance
✔ Moving to a new state
8. How Can Estate Planning Help Single Parents?
Single parents must have a plan to ensure their children's future, including:
✔ Naming a guardian for minor children
✔ Setting up a trust for financial protection
✔ Appointing a healthcare decision-maker
Without a plan, courts decide who raises your children and controls their inheritance.
9. What is Probate, and How Can I Avoid It?
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing assets after death. It can be:
❌ Time-consuming (can take months or years)
❌ Expensive (court and attorney fees)
❌ Public (no privacy for your assets)
Ways to avoid probate:
✔ Create a trust
✔ Use payable-on-death accounts
✔ Name beneficiaries on retirement & insurance policies
10. What is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A Medical POA lets someone you trust make healthcare decisions if you're unable to (e.g., coma, surgery complications).
✔ Essential for all adults—not just seniors!
✔ Prevents family conflicts over medical care decisions.
✔ Ensures your wishes are followed.
11. How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
Estate planning varies based on complexity. At the Law Office of Sheila D. Brown, I offer flat-fee pricing, so there are no surprises.
💡 Consider this: The cost of not having a plan can be far greater in probate fees, legal battles, and stress on your loved ones.
12. What Happens to My Social Media & Digital Assets When I Die?
Without planning, your Facebook, email, online banking, and cryptocurrency could be locked or lost forever.
✔ A Digital Estate Plan lets your family access accounts.
✔ Assign a Digital Executor to manage your online presence.
13. Do I Need an Attorney for Estate Planning?
While DIY online templates exist, they:
❌ Often fail to comply with Texas law
❌ Leave out critical protections
❌ Are more likely to be challenged in court
A personalized estate plan ensures everything is legally sound and tailored to your needs.
Take the First Step Today!
Estate planning isn't just about wealth—it's about protecting your loved ones, avoiding unnecessary stress, and ensuring your voice is heard.
📞 Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation Today
🔹 Call 888-294-0491
🔹 Visit GloriousInheritance.com
Download This Guide as a PDF
For easy reference, download our Estate Planning FAQs guide and share it with your loved ones!
The Law Office of Sheila D. Brown – Guiding Texans to a Secure Legacy.
