Dedicated Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Amarillo And All Of Texas

The probate and estate planning attorneys at Morgan Williamson are a trustworthy resource for individuals and families in need of forward-thinking estate planning and the resolution of probate matters. Our estate planning lawyers have extensive experience in helping our clients preserve and transfer wealth, as well as avoid probate proceedings altogether.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney, please call us in Amarillo at 806-705-7546or complete our contact form. Our estate and probate lawyers advise and represent clients throughout Texas.

“Hollye Hawkins told me in our first meeting that her goal was to make Estate Planning as simple as possible, and that our experience would be positive. She was right! If Hollye Hawkins is your attorney, you’ll have a good experience at a reasonable price.”

— Stanley S.

Benefits Of An Estate Plan

Protecting your legacy boils down to ample preparation. An estate plan can help you secure
your assets and ensure your family gets the clarity and comfort they deserve. This essential
planning protects what matters most by:

• Helping you avoid intestacy and maintain total control over your estate
• Preventing family conflicts during times of grief
• Minimizing tax burdens through strategic wealth preservation
• Anticipating the unexpected by establishing powers of attorney and healthcare directives
• Identifying physically and mentally fit guardians to care for your minor children
• Ensuring business succession so operations continue without complications during probate
• Integrating charitable goals through preferred trusts or foundations

An estate plan ensures a future that reflects your values and protects your family’s well-being.

Let Our Estate Planning Attorneys Help You Identify The Right Tools For Your Estate

A valid will is the foundation and starting point of a comprehensive estate plan. Our estate planning services encompass the full breadth of documents and issues that you may need or encounter, including:

• Wills, such pour-over wills, complex wills and simple wills
• Trusts, such special needs trusts, charitable remainder trusts and generation-skipping trusts
• Powers of attorney
• Advance health care directives
• Designation of Guardian
• Business succession planning to transfer ownership and management of a business.
• Gift tax and exemption

These tools have specific purposes that can address your unique concerns. However, each of them must carefully follow the standards of Texas estate planning. Through our guidance, we can help you adhere to strict regulations while ensuring your estate remains intact upon your passing.

The Probate Process In Texas

Probate refers to the legal process of distributing your property after your passing.

To give you an idea, the probate process in Texas comes with a streamlined legal sequence, which is as follows:

• Will validation: Proving your will is valid in court
• Asset inventory: Gathering and identifying all your assets
• Property appraisal: Valuing your properties through financial experts
• Payment of debts and taxes: Ensuring your estate settles all remaining debts and
  taxes
• Asset distribution: Distributing your remaining assets to your beneficiaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to have an independent or dependent probate administration. The former allows your appointed executor to manage your estate with minimal court supervision, while the latter focuses on a court-supervised process to address complex matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning

To discuss your concerns and get answers to your specific questions, contact Morgan Williamson today to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning and probate lawyer. Below are some of the more common questions that people have about estate planning in Texas.

When should you create or update your will?

Adults of all ages should have wills. However, certain life events serve as reminders for many people to verify that their wills are up to date. When you get married, become a parent, move from one state to another, or approach a trip abroad or another venture marked by risks, this is an appropriate time to have your will looked at by a knowledgeable attorney.

When is a trust better than a will?

This question is deceptive because even someone who puts most or all of their assets in trusts should also have a will. A pour-over will can account for any assets that come into the estate after most property has been transferred to a trust. Trusts may reduce tax liability and simplify the process of passing assets from one generation to the next.

For a closer look at estate planning options in Texas, please see our full Estate Planning FAQ.

An exploratory consultation with a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer can be eye-opening. We encourage you to inquire if you are interested in creating or updating your estate plan.