Wills and Probate
Our probate attorneys draft wills, powers of attorneys, advance directives, and represent administrators in probate proceedings. The firm’s attorneys understand that those who choose to prepare a will have their family and friends close in mind. For those that have lost a loved one, Brewer Lang Veach, P.C.’s attorneys are experienced with guiding individuals through the probate process.
Wills
A will is a legal document that lets you designate individuals or charitable organizations to receive your property after your death. An effective will should depose of your property, contemplate alternate beneficiaries, name an independent executor and an alternate, and if you have minor children, name a guardian to oversee their care. Our firm’s attorneys are available to discuss your options in drafting this important and solemn document.
Trusts
A trust is a legal arrangement under which one person, called a trustee, holds legal title to property for the benefit of another person, called a beneficiary. Two common forms of trusts are 1) a testamentary trust which is defined in a person’s will and arises upon the passing of that individual, and 2) a living trust which is created during a person’s lifetime. Please call us to discuss the different kinds of trust if you are considering probate alternatives and long-term property management.
Probate Proceedings
The Texas Estate Codes is robust and provides an extensive framework for probating a person’s estate. The options for probating an estate that should be considered are often daunting to those who are faced with administering a loved-one’s estate. Our attorneys can advise on how best to proceed and to navigate the probate process once a course is selected.
Advance Directives
Advance directives are documents that communicate your wishes about medical care if, at some point in the future, you are unable to speak for yourself. You have the right to determine the terms of your own health care. An advance directive allows you to advise your health care providers and family as to your wishes regarding the withholding or cessation of life sustaining procedures if you have a terminal condition and death is imminent.
Medical Powers of Attorney
A medical power of attorney allows you to appoint an agent to take charge of your health care before you have a serious illness or accident. Your appointed agent will subsequently have the right to confer with your health care providers about your health care and must follow your directives as set forth in the power of attorney.
Durable Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows one person to designate an agent to manage the person’s financial affairs. Durable means that the appointment remains in effect should the appointing party become disabled. The agent is required to act pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the durable power of attorney.
HIPAA Authorization
The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that was enacted to keep patients’ health information private. A HIPAA compliant authorization allows a health care provider to share one person’s protected health information with another person.