Wills And Trusts That Ensure Your Texas Family’s Financial Security
Estate planning instruments such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance health care directives are building blocks for your loved ones’ futures. The right combination of these tools can be your final gift to those you care about most – and spare the expense and inconvenience of contentious probate proceedings down the road.
In San Antonio and throughout South Texas, the skillful and responsive lawyer who guides you to sound decisions about these important documents is Luis R. De Luna.
At the Law Office of Luis R. De Luna, PLLC, you work closely and directly with an attorney whose 25-plus years of experience can make a positive difference in your life. He guides you through the preparation of paperwork that reflects your explicit wishes, and he later can help your family navigate an often complex estate administration process, when assets and property must be distributed according to your instructions.
Our full-service estates and probate law firm can generate a new estate plan that reflects your goals, revise an existing plan, and aggressively prosecute or defend a contested will in probate court. We provide fiduciary litigation services that protect the rights of a diverse clientele – trustees, executors and beneficiaries alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills And Trusts In San Antonio
Planning for your future and protecting your family’s financial security often involves making important decisions about wills and trusts. These legal tools can seem complex, but they serve vital roles in preserving your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored. This section addresses some of the most asked questions that can help clarify these important legal matters. While each situation is unique, these answers provide a foundation to help you understand your options under Texas law.
Can a trust help me avoid estate taxes?
Yes, certain types of trusts can serve as powerful tools for reducing federal estate taxes and keeping more wealth in your family. While Texas does not currently impose a state-level inheritance tax, federal estate tax exemptions still apply and can significantly impact larger estates. You can legally reduce your taxable estate size by using strategies like irrevocable trusts or credit shelter trusts. A San Antonio wills and trust attorney can review your financial portfolio and determine which tax-saving structures work best for your situation.
What should I do if someone accuses me of mismanaging a trust in San Antonio?
If someone accuses you of misappropriating funds as a trustee, acting promptly is vital to protect yourself and your reputation. Start by gathering all relevant financial records, account statements and communications related to the trust’s administration. Do not engage directly with the person making the accusations. Instead, contact a San Antonio fiduciary litigation attorney right away for guidance. Taking these steps early can help protect your interests and resolve the matter more effectively.
How can I contest a suspicious last-minute change to a will in Texas?
If you believe someone wrongly pressured the person who made the will or that they were not mentally able to make changes, you can challenge the will in a Bexar County probate court. To contest a will, you must be someone who has a legal right to do so, such as a person who was named in an earlier version of the will. You will need to file a lawsuit and gather proof that supports your concerns about the changes. In Texas, you have two years after the court admits a will to probate to challenge it, so it is important to act quickly. A probate litigation attorney can help you understand your options and walk you through each step.
How does business succession planning work for a family-owned business in Texas?
Business succession planning helps you prepare for the day when you can no longer run your family business, whether due to retirement, illness or death. This process involves deciding who will take over the business, how they will gain control and what steps you need to take now to make the transition smooth. You might choose to pass the business to your children, sell it to employees or find an outside buyer. The plan also addresses important issues like taxes, business valuation and training the next generation of leaders.
Get Skilled Legal Help With Wills, Trusts And Estate Administration
Is a disgruntled relative accusing you of misappropriating funds from a trust? Are you suspicious of a last-minute change to an elderly family member’s will? Are you head of household for a young family that needs refreshes applied to an estate plan? Are you seeking to turn over the reins of a closely held family business to members of a new generation? The Law Office of Luis R. De Luna, PLLC, can assist at any stage of the process.
Contact us today by calling 210-757-0941 or by email message. Your initial consultation is free. Se habla español.
