We Help Collin County and North Texas Individuals and Families Protect Their Loved Ones and Safeguard Their Legacies
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for wealthy or older individuals. However, estate planning can benefit anyone. Regardless of your age, health, or financial status, having a comprehensive estate plan ensures you are protected in unexpected situations, your loved ones are protected when you pass, and your wishes are honored. Asset protection is a critical component of this process, safeguarding your assets during life and ensuring they are effectively transferred to beneficiaries after death. Our experienced estate planning attorney in Plano is here to take the stress out of estate planning, guiding you through the process, and helping you create a plan tailored to your needs.
Life is unpredictable, and accidents or illnesses can occur at any time. A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond just distributing assets after death. For example, you can use estate planning to declare guardianship for minor children, make end-of-life care decisions, and appoint people you trust to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. By establishing an estate plan, you can protect yourself and your family in the event of incapacitation or death, reduce the emotional burden on your family during difficult times, and give them security and direction for future on.
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How Our Plano Estate Planning Lawyers Can Help
At Warren & Migliaccio, we can help you create an estate plan tailored to your unique needs, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. We offer comprehensive estate planning solutions, including the following documents:
- Last will and testament. A will allows you to break down how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It also allows you to appoint someone to manage your estate upon your passing. Parents of minor children can also use a will to designate guardianship.
- Revocable living trust. A revocable living trust allows you to manage and use your assets during your lifetime and specify how to distribute them upon your death. Assets placed in a living trust avoid probate, allowing a private and efficient transfer to your beneficiaries upon your passing.
- Financial power of attorney. You can use a financial power of attorney to appoint a loved one to make financial decisions and actions on your behalf. For example, they can pay your bills, access and manage your bank accounts, and sign your taxes. Having one in place ensures your financial matters will be handled by someone you trust if you cannot manage them yourself.
- Medical power of attorney. You can use a medical power of attorney to designate a loved one to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated. This person is your medical agent.
- HIPAA release. A HIPAA release authorizes your healthcare providers to share your medical information with designated individuals. You can use this document to ensure that your loved ones are not left in the dark about your medical status in the event of an accident or sudden illness. You can also use it to ensure that your medical agents can access the information they need to make informed decisions about your care in the event of incapacitation.
- Advance healthcare directive. An advance healthcare directive or a living will specifies your preferences for medical treatment in end-of-life situations.
- Declaration of guardian. You can use a declaration of guardian to designate guardianship for your minor children if both parents become incapacitated or pass away.
- Transfer on death deed. You can use a transfer on death deed (TODD) to transfer real estate directly to a beneficiary upon your death without going through probate.
Choose From Three Levels of Estate Planning Services
Our law firm, with a team of experienced Plano estate planning attorneys, is committed to making estate planning a smooth and stress-free process for you. We recognize that each client has unique needs, concerns and goals, which is why we offer three levels of estate planning services.
Whether you are looking for a custom estate plan with hand-holding from an attorney at every step, a custom plan with the flexibility to execute it yourself, or a quick and convenient online solution, we have the perfect fit for you and your family: White Glove, Everything but the Execution, and Estate Plan Express.
This chart compares our three tailored estate planning services—White Glove Service, Everything But the Execution, and Estate Plan Express—focusing on features such as custom estate plans, document drafting, and execution support.
White Glove
White Glove is our full-service estate planning option, which includes comprehensive solutions and hands-on support from our legal team throughout the entire process. It is the best choice for individuals and families who need more than a simple estate plan and want an experienced attorney to handle every aspect of the estate planning process through legal execution. When you choose our White Glove service, you can expect the following:
- Planning meeting with our Plano estate planning lawyer
- Custom estate plan that meets your needs and goals
- Estate planning documents drafted and reviewed by our attorney
- Signing meeting to review and execute your estate planning documents
- Instructions about how to fund your trust, if applicable
- Free document revision for one year (does not include converting to a different plan)
Everything but the Execution
Our Everything but the Execution service is similar to our White Glove service, however, our hands-on support ends after we provide you with your ready-to-execute estate planning documents. You still get personalized attention from our Plano estate planning lawyer at our dedicated law offices, ensuring a comprehensive and customized estate plan. However, you must legally execute the documents with a notary and witnesses at your convenience.
This service works best for individuals and families with unique schedules that may keep them from visiting our office or living outside the DFW area. If you choose our Everything but the Execution service, you can expect the following:
- Planning meeting with our Plano estate planning attorney
- Custom estate plan that meets your needs and goals
- Estate planning documents drafted and reviewed by our attorney
- Instructions about how to legally execute your estate planning documents by yourself
- Instructions about how to fund your trust, if applicable
- Free document revision for six months (does not include converting to a different plan)
Estate Plan Express
Estate Plan Express is our online will service. We designed it for individuals and families seeking a quick, convenient, and cost-effective solution to their estate planning needs. It includes everything you need for a simple but effective estate plan, including:
- Last will and testament
- Medical power of attorney
- HIPAA release
- Financial power of attorney
While you handle much of the process independently, you get the assurance that your estate planning documents are prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney in Plano. When you choose Estate Plan Express, you get the following:
- Access to our estate planning portal and questionnaire
- Estate planning documents drafted and reviewed by our attorney
- Instructions about how to legally execute your estate planning documents by yourself
- Free document revision for six months (does not include converting to a different plan)
Where We Serve
With our primary office in Richardson, we provide hands-on estate planning services to individuals and families throughout DFW and North Texas. However, our online Estate Plan Express service allows us to prepare will packages for individuals statewide. A few of the primary counties and cities we serve include:
- Collin County: Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Carrollton, Allen, Murphy, and Anna
- Dallas County: Dallas, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Richardson, DeSoto, and Farmers Branch
- Denton County: Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Little Elm, The Colony, Corinth, and Highland Village
- Rockwall County: Rockwall, Fate, and McLendon-Chisolm
- Tarrant County: Fort Worth, Arlington, North Richland Hills, Euless, Bedford, and Keller
FAQs about Plano Estate Planning Attorneys
What is the cost of estate planning in Texas?
Estate planning costs in Texas vary depending on complexity and an attorney’s fee structure. A basic will may cost a few hundred dollars, while more complex plans involving trusts, advanced directives, or tax strategies can exceed a thousand. Some attorneys offer flat rates for simple wills, while others charge hourly. Always request an estimate during your initial consultation.
What are the 7 steps in the estate planning process?
- Assess your assets and debts
- Determine goals for your property and beneficiaries
- Create or update a will or trust
- Establish powers of attorney
- Designate healthcare directives
- Review beneficiary designations
- Periodically revisit and update your plan
Understanding the legal process is crucial to making decisions and in estate planning. It involves guiding clients through the complexities of the judicial system to ensure efficient and understandable distribution of property after a person’s passing.
What are the two key documents used to prepare an estate plan?
Two key estate-planning documents in Texas are a Last Will and Testament and a Durable Power of Attorney. The will governs property distribution after death through the probate process, while the power of attorney authorizes someone to handle financial or legal matters if you become incapacitated.
How much is a consultation with an estate lawyer?
Consultation fees vary widely across Texas. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations, while others may charge an hourly rate ranging from $100 to $300 or more. Always confirm the consultation fee in advance. We offer a free consultation.
How Do I Protect My Child’s Special Needs Through Estate Planning?
Texas law supports creating legal documents—like specialized trusts and guardianships—that address unique circumstances. By designing a personalized plan, you ensure medical care and long-term support for your loved one with special needs.
Do I Need Probate Services Even With a Will?
Yes. Probate often confirms the validity of a will and oversees asset distribution. Under Texas law, it can still be necessary even if you have an estate plan. However, proper planning significantly reduces the probate burden, saving your loved ones time and stress. Our Plano office helps ensure legal documents are in order, protecting your hard-earned assets and guiding them to future generations. Through careful estate planning, many challenges are minimized, creating a smoother transition while still meeting all legal requirements.
How Do I Handle Critical Decisions About Medical Care?
A comprehensive estate plan includes documents like medical powers of attorney that let you choose a trusted individual to make decisions if you’re incapacitated. Texas law supports personalizing these legal documents for your unique circumstances.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
It’s best to review your estate plan after any major life events—marriage, divorce, new children, business expansions, or significant changes in financial assets. Under Texas law, keeping important documents current helps reduce tax burdens and ensures your unique situation is addressed. Our experienced attorneys in the Plano area recommend revisiting your plan every few years or whenever your specific needs change. This best practice maintains a strong attorney-client relationship and aligns with state laws. Updating each step of the process can prevent confusion for loved ones, minimize probate court delays, and safeguard your hard-earned assets.
What Are My Options for Storing Important Documents Securely?
Safely storing your will, powers of attorney, and other legal documents is crucial. Many people choose a fireproof home safe, a secure third-party vault, or their attorney’s office for safekeeping. Best practices include sharing access details with trusted loved ones or an executor, ensuring they can retrieve documents if needed. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our law firm provides legal services that guide each step of the process, from creating testamentary documents to advising on storage. Protecting critical paperwork keeps your personalized plan intact, reduces confusion, and streamlines matters should probate services or other legal needs arise.
Set Up Your Estate Plan Today With Our Plano, Texas Estate Planning Lawyers
Are you ready to address estate planning matters to safeguard your legacy and protect your family? If so, contact an experienced estate planning attorney in Plano, TX from our firm. During a free consultation, we can discuss your estate planning goals and how we can help you create an estate plan tailored to your needs. Call us at (888) 404-2805 or submit our online contact form, and we will contact you soon.
