AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Ballinger Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer including their experience, expertise, and reputation. AV Rated Attorneys represent a distinguished group of lawyers who have received top ratings from their peers for their exceptional ethical standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).
AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Ballinger Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer ... Learn More
AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Ballinger Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer including their experience, expertise, and reputation. AV Rated Attorneys represent a distinguished group of lawyers who have received top ratings from their peers for their exceptional ethical standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

Clack and Clayton, LLP

  • 711 Hutchings Ave., Ballinger, TX 76821

John W. McGregory

  • 708 Park Ave., Ballinger, TX 76821

Karl W. Vancil

  • Ballinger, TX 76821-0248

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Looking for Estate Planning Lawyers in Ballinger?

Estate planning attorneys help individuals prepare for the management and distribution of their assets after death or incapacitation. They create legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Their work ensures a client’s wishes are honored, minimizes potential taxes, and simplifies the process for their loved ones.

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The average lawyer rating is created by peers based on legal expertise, ethical standards, quality of service, and relationship skills. Recommendations are made by real clients.

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Commonly Asked Estate Planning Questions From Users Near You

This information is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up-to-date. It is provided for general informational purposes only. If you need legal advice you should consult a licensed attorney in your area.

Do I have to leave each child something when I do my estate planning?

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Answered by attorney Phillip Gustavo Day (Unclaimed Profile)
Estate Planning lawyer at Law Offices of Phillip Day, P.L.
No, you don't. You can leave everything you own to charity if you like or to your next door neighbor. However, I'm a firm believer of using estate planning as a way to reconcile if at all possible since death is so absolute and there is no way to ever take back things that are said once you pass away. I encourage all of my clients to use estate planning as a way to tell your kids that you are upset and that if things don't change, then there is no reason to change the plans. For example, you can choose to disinherit your one of your children, and leave small percentages to two others and the vast majority to the one that is kind to you. Then you invite your kids to thanksgiving and talk to them about your estate plans and have them read what was signed. Some will be very upset and may ask why. Many of my clients are surprised that they ask why and as I always tell them that most of the times family disputes are simply miscommunications and that one party sometimes doesn't even understand or is aware of the problem. If you can air out your issues while you are alive, it gives everyone a chance to talk and at least come to peace with your wishes. Otherwise you could die and they would be terribly confused and point their animosity towards their siblings who may have nothing to do with the original dispute. So to answer your question, you can do what you want, but instead of using your will as a sword to strike the last blow, I would try to use it as a way to open up a line of communication and telling them that you can change the will if family harmony and peace is possible.
No, you don't. You can leave everything you own to charity if you like or to your next door neighbor. However, I'm a firm believer of using estate planning as a way to reconcile if at all possible since death is so absolute and there is no way to ever take back things that are said once you pass away. I encourage all of my clients to use estate planning as a way to tell your kids that you are upset and that if things don't change, then there is no reason to change the plans. For example, you can choose to disinherit your one of your children, and leave small percentages to two others and the vast majority to the one that is kind to you. Then you invite your kids to thanksgiving and talk to them about your estate plans and have them read what was signed. Some will be very upset and may ask why. Many of my clients are surprised that they ask why and as I always tell them that most of the times family disputes are simply miscommunications and that one party sometimes doesn't even understand or is aware of the problem. If you can air out your issues while you are alive, it gives everyone a chance to talk and at least come to peace with your wishes. Otherwise you could die and they would be terribly confused and point their animosity towards their siblings who may have nothing to do with the original dispute. So to answer your question, you can do what you want, but instead of using your will as a sword to strike the last blow, I would try to use it as a way to open up a line of communication and telling them that you can change the will if family harmony and peace is possible.
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When you become an administrator of an estate, how do you know your duties?

Dara J. Goldsmith
Answered by attorney Dara J. Goldsmith
Estate Planning lawyer at Goldsmith & Guymon, P.C.
All of those issues are addressed in the statutes. You are charged with knowing the law. I suggest you make inquiry of your attorney, or if you do not have one, you may wish to hire one.
All of those issues are addressed in the statutes. You are charged with knowing the law. I suggest you make inquiry of your attorney, or if you do not have one, you may wish to hire one.
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My husband and I would like to sell our land, however, it is in a trust with his 2 sibblings with undevided interest. We own 3/4 of the land...

Terry Lynn Garrett
Answered by attorney Terry Lynn Garrett
Estate Planning lawyer at The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC
If the land is in a trust, you do not own it:  the trust does.  The trustee decides whether to sell the land.  The beneficiaries (apparently your husband and his two siblings) do not. If a trustee is not putting the interests of the beneficiaries first but is putting his own interests first, the beneficiaries can sue to have him removed.  But whether selling or not selling the land is putting the beneficiaries first is a big question.  You may want to take a copy of the trust agreement to a lawyer who does fiduciary litigation and discuss the specific facts.  
If the land is in a trust, you do not own it:  the trust does.  The trustee decides whether to sell the land.  The beneficiaries (apparently your husband and his two siblings) do not. If a trustee is not putting the interests of the beneficiaries first but is putting his own interests first, the beneficiaries can sue to have him removed.  But whether selling or not selling the land is putting the beneficiaries first is a big question.  You may want to take a copy of the trust agreement to a lawyer who does fiduciary litigation and discuss the specific facts.  
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