how to set up an estate plan

How to Create an Estate Plan Step by Step

A clear estate plan gives you control, protects your family, and helps avoid legal problems down the road. This guide explains how to create an estate plan step by step. You’ll learn what documents you need, how to keep your plan current, and why working with a lawyer matters. How to Set Up an Estate Plan Getting started can feel overwhelming, but the process is simple when you break it down. Here are the basic steps to follow: List your assets: Include real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Choose your beneficiaries: Decide who should receive your assets. Name decision-makers: Pick someone to handle your finances and medical decisions if you can’t. Set goals: Think about what matters most—protecting children, avoiding probate, or reducing taxes. Meet with an estate attorney in Houston, Texas: An attorney ensures your plan follows state laws and reflects your wishes. This step-by-step process helps you build a comprehensive estate plan that protects both your property and your loved ones. What Estate Planning Documents Do I Need? Each document in your plan serves a specific purpose. Together, they make your wishes clear and enforceable. Here are the estate planning documents most people need: Last Will and Testament: States who gets your property and names a guardian for your children. Revocable Living Trust: Avoids probate and allows you to manage assets during your lifetime. Durable Power of Attorney: Names someone to handle your finances if you can’t. Medical Power of Attorney: Lets someone make health care decisions for you. Advance Directive (Living Will): States your wishes for end-of-life care. Beneficiary Designations: On life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts. Having the right estate planning documents in place helps you stay in control, even when you can’t speak for yourself. How to Review and Update Your Estate Plan Life changes—your plan should too. Review your plan every few years or after major life events: Marriage or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Death of a beneficiary or executor Major financial changes Moving to a new state To update your estate plan, contact your attorney. Even small updates must follow legal rules. Don’t assume your old documents still cover your current situation. At Nimmons & Fronterhouse Law, we help clients review and revise their plans to keep them accurate and effective. Why Work With an Attorney When Setting Up an Estate Plan? You can find forms online, but those rarely meet your full needs. Laws vary by state, and small mistakes can lead to big problems. Working with an experienced estate attorney in Houston, Texas ensures: Your documents are valid under Texas law Your wishes are clearly written and enforceable Your family avoids costly mistakes You receive advice tailored to your goals At Nimmons & Fronterhouse Law, we explain everything in simple terms. We help you make choices that reflect your values and protect your loved ones. Creating a solid plan is easier with guidance. If you’re thinking about setting up an estate plan or want to review your current one, contact us. We’ll make sure your plan does exactly what you need it to do—now and […]