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Houston and Dallas Estate Planning Attorneys

Gain peace of mind knowing your estate plan is set to protect your legacy and loved ones.

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Formalizing Legacies for Artists and Families

Estate planning is a critical step for everyone, aimed at ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, our specialty lies in guiding artists, entertainment professionals, and all members of the community, through the intricacies of estate planning. 

Our Estate Planning Services

Effective estate planning is foundational to securing your legacy and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of. Our comprehensive estate planning services are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. From drafting your last will to intricate tax planning, our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your wishes are honored and your assets are protected. 

Wills

A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan, outlining how your assets are distributed according to your wishes upon your death. It’s crucial for anyone looking to have control over the distribution of their assets, appoint guardians for minor children, and name an executor for their estate. We can create a will that reflects and locks your wishes in for the future.

Trusts

Trusts are versatile estate planning tools that offer tax benefits, protect assets, and provide for your loved ones without the public scrutiny and delays of probate. From revocable living trusts that maintain flexibility during your lifetime to irrevocable trusts for asset protection, our expertise in various trusts ensures your estate plan is optimized for your goals and needs.

Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney is essential for anyone who wants to ensure their financial affairs and healthcare decisions are managed by someone they trust if they become incapacitated. We guide you in appointing a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf, ensuring continuity and peace of mind.

Advanced Healthcare Directives

An advanced healthcare directive — also known as a living will — specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate. It’s vital to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected, which can alleviate decision-making burdens for your loved ones. Our firm assists in creating clear, legally binding directives.

Guardianship

Choosing a guardian for your minor children or dependents is a profound decision. This service is critical for parents or guardians who wish to ensure their loved ones are cared for by someone who shares their values and wishes. We help you navigate the legal process, ensuring a secure future for those who depend on you.

Business Succession Planning

One of the most important components of estate planning for business owners is a smooth transition and continuity of your life’s work when the time comes. Whether due to retirement, incapacity, or death, we devise strategies that align with your vision for the future of your business, minimizing taxes and disruptions.

Charitable Planning

Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan can reflect your values, reduce tax liabilities, and contribute to the community. Ideal for philanthropically inclined individuals, our firm crafts plans that fulfill your charitable goals while complementing your overall estate strategy.

Digital Assets

These days, estate planning includes more than tangible assets. Digital assets, from social media accounts to cryptocurrencies, are an increasingly important consideration. We assist clients in securing these assets within their estate plan, ensuring valuable or sentimental digital property is preserved and passed on in accordance with your wishes.

Estate and Gift Tax Planning

Effective tax planning strategies are crucial for minimizing the tax burden on your estate and gifts and maximizing the inheritance for your beneficiaries. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals concerned about estate and gift taxes, our approach mitigates tax liabilities within the bounds of the law.

Special Considerations

Every estate planning situation truly is unique, and some bring forth specific challenges and requirements. From the complexities of blended family dynamics to robust asset protection strategies and addressing the nuanced needs of high-net-worth individuals, we always ensure your estate plan is comprehensive and thoughtful relative to your circumstances.

Estate Planning for Blended Families

The intricacies of combining assets and providing for both biological and step-relatives can bring on challenges for blended families. That’s why it’s crucial to clearly define inheritance rights and guardianship arrangements with tailored wills, trusts, and explicit guardianship designations to ensure that all members of your blended family are appropriately cared for.

Asset Protection Strategies

Asset protection involves structuring your estate in a way that minimizes exposure to future creditors, lawsuits, or judgments. Strategies may include the establishment of trusts, ownership changes, and the strategic titling of assets. Proper asset protection planning safeguards your wealth during your lifetime and preserves the value of your estate for your beneficiaries.

Planning for Incapacity or Special Health Situations

Preparing for potential incapacity due to illness or injury is just as much a part of estate planning as asset distribution. Establishing durable powers of attorney for both healthcare and finances allows you to designate someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. A living will can specify your wishes for medical treatment in case you are unable to communicate.

Addressing High Net Worth Individual Needs

High-net-worth individuals often have complex estate planning challenges, including estate tax implications, the management of diverse investment portfolios, and the transfer of business interests. Sophisticated techniques such as irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and charitable giving can ensure a seamless transition of wealth to future generations. 

Our Process

Are you ready to work with estate planning attorneys who understand the nuances of estate planning and can help create a strategy that aligns with your goals? Starting your estate planning journey with us begins with a comprehensive initial consultation. Our experienced team listens intently and asks the right questions to fully understand your goals and situation

Following our initial meeting, we begin creating an estate planning strategy meticulously designed to meet your needs and carry out your wishes. And let’s not forget that life is dynamic, so as circumstances change, families grow, and your goals evolve, we offer ongoing support and regular reviews of your plan.

Why Should You Choose Us?

We recognize that you have many options for legal representation. Rodgers Selvera PLLC distinguishes itself through a blend of unparalleled experience and a deeply personalized approach. Our team brings years of focused expertise in Houston estate planning. No matter the complexity of your estate, we have the knowledge and skills to navigate it successfully.

Our approach is about more than just documents and legal procedures; it’s about building a relationship based on trust and understanding. That’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we prioritize understanding your situation and goals to engineer a customized estate plan that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

Estate planning can often seem overwhelming, filled with uncertainty and legal jargon. We strive to demystify the process, providing clear, actionable advice so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Choosing Rodgers Selvera PLLC means partnering with a team that’s invested in your peace of mind today and for the future.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs estate planning?

Everyone. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s crucial for anyone who wishes to have a say in how their assets are distributed and their health care decisions are made in case of incapacity.

2. What happens if someone dies without a will?

If someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws — which may not reflect their wishes and could lead to situations with unwanted heirs receiving assets and prolonged legal battles. Planning ahead of time is much easier!

3. What ss the cost of estate planning in Texas?

Houston estate planning lawyer costs vary based on complexity. While basic estate planning may be relatively straightforward, more complex situations involving trusts, business interests, or tax planning require more specialized advice and, therefore, might incur higher fees.

4. What is the difference between will and estate planning?

A will is a document that specifies asset distribution after death, while estate planning encompasses a broader range of preparations, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives to protect your assets and well-being both during and after your lifetime.

5. How often should I update my estate plan?

Regularly, especially after major life events. It’s recommended to review and potentially update your estate plan after significant changes in your life, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring substantial assets.

6. Can I do estate planning myself?

While DIY options exist, professional guidance ensures that your estate plan accurately reflects your wishes and complies with current laws. Mistakes in self-made estate plans can lead to costly disputes or unintended consequences.

7. What happens if I die without a will in Texas?

Your assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. This can lead to potential conflicts among heirs and may not provide for your preferred beneficiaries.

8. Is a trust better than a will?

It depends on your needs. Trusts offer benefits like avoiding probate and maintaining privacy, but they can be more complex and costly to set up. A consultation with an estate planning attorney can help determine the best fit for your situation.

9. How can estate planning protect my minor children?

Through estate planning, you can appoint guardians for your children, set up trusts to manage their inheritance, and ensure that they are cared for according to your wishes should anything happen to you.

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