Estate Planning Attorney in Austin, TX
An estate planning attorney plays a vital role in ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Whether you’re drafting a will, setting up a trust, or navigating probate law, the experienced estate planning attorneys at Kelly Legal Group are here to guide you through every step of the process. We offer personalized, comprehensive estate planning services to ensure your loved ones are provided for and your legal needs are met.
Do you want to ensure that your spouse, children, family, friends, or charities are properly provided for after you’re gone? Contact Kelly Legal Group today to schedule an estate planning consultation at (737) 257-6341 or request an appointment online.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at Kelly Legal Group and Attorney Chris Cummings. Facing a time sensitive legal issue with a difficult party, I was overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. From intake on, they took the time to truly understand not just the legal intricacies of my case, but also my personal concerns.
Chris’s expertise and guidance were invaluable throughout the process. He was not only knowledgeable and professional but also genuinely empathetic to my situation. They worked diligently to ensure that my case was resolved in a timely manner, ultimately achieving the desired outcome. I would recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance!” ~Brittany S.
“I came to The Kelly Legal Group during a tough time in my life where seemingly everything was falling apart around me and they were understanding and diligent, as well as willing, to help me with my case. They truly only charge for true work they do. These guys work hard too! I worked with Anna and her team and we ended up with a positive result in our case. I wholly trust them with all my being and would certainly recommend them or use them again if need be.” ~Jordana K.
“Fantastic team. They helped me square away deed paperwork. They were very responsive, knowledgeable, and clear in the steps required. Pam, Elsa, and Lyndsey were great to work with! I highly recommend using them for any legal work required. Big thank you to the Kelly Legal Group!” ~Calixto K.
“Kelly Legal Group was great to work with and brought my automobile accident claim to a successful resolution. Mr. Kelly was very easy to work with and kept me well-informed every step of the way. The staff was courteous, professional and maintained great communication.” ~Shane H.
“I hired the Kelly Legal Group for a condo purchase in Austin. Jeff and Greg assisted me throughout the whole process from making offers to closing.
They were particularly helpful when additional clarification was needed regarding parking spot assignments and we were able to get the appropriate documents from the seller and closed on schedule.” ~Alexandre J.
“If you are buying land, especially in west Texas, where you need to dive deep into mineral rights and even wind rights, it’s best to take advice from an attorney. I wasn’t aware that when you buy land, someone else might gave wind rights which means they can build a windmill whenever they want…on your land.
I want to thank Sana at Kelly Legal Group in Austin. She helped look into existing lease, contract, title warranty, and guided me to a successful closure.
Yes the advice costs money per hour, but is worth it for the peace of mind during and after the purchase.” ~Chandra R.
“I wanted to share a very positive experience with Jeff Kelly. I called his firm earlier today and was set up with a same day appointment. I had a lot of questions and uncertainty in my situation and Jeff was definitely able to put my mind at ease. I don’t look forward to the potential legal problems down the road but I do look forward to partnering with Jeff because I know he will have my back and make sure the right thing is done. Thank you Jeff!!” ~Melanie A.
Comprehensive Estate Planning and Probate Services
Estate planning is a complex process, and a qualified estate planning attorney can help you navigate the legal landscape. Whether you’re drafting your will or handling probate matters after a loved one has passed away, our team has the expertise to protect your interests.
At Kelly Legal Group, we offer the following estate planning and probate law services:
Wills and Testament Preparation
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and obligations will be handled after you pass away. It includes instructions for distributing real estate, stocks, bank accounts, and other personal property. Your last will and testament ensures that your wishes are carried out and can prevent family disputes.
To die without a will is to die “intestate,” which means Texas intestacy laws will dictate how your assets are distributed. This can lead to outcomes you may not have wanted and unnecessary legal complications. This is just one of many reasons why you need a will. With the assistance of an estate planning attorney, you can avoid these issues.
We also handle living wills, which outline your medical wishes in case you become incapacitated. This allows you to maintain control over important decisions such as life support, resuscitation, and organ donation.
Trusts: Revocable and Irrevocable
At Kelly Legal Group, we manage both revocable and irrevocable trusts. A revocable trust, or living trust, allows you to modify or revoke the trust during your lifetime. It offers flexibility and helps avoid probate, making asset distribution smoother after your passing.
On the other hand, an irrevocable trust is permanent and cannot be changed once established. This type of trust is often used for tax planning or asset protection purposes. Your estate planning attorney will help you decide which type of trust best suits your needs and ensure it is properly executed.
Power of Attorney
Giving someone power of attorney allows them to make important decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. This authority can be broad or limited to specific areas, such as healthcare or finances. Our estate planning attorneys can help you draft and execute a power of attorney that aligns with your specific needs.
Probate Litigation
If a loved one passes away without a will, disputes may arise over asset distribution. Even when there is a valid will, it can be contested due to ambiguous wording or disagreements among heirs. Our estate planning attorneys are experienced in handling probate litigation and will represent your interests during disputes. Whether through litigation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution, we’ll work to resolve these matters efficiently.
Estate and Gift Tax Planning
Navigating the complexities of estate and gift tax laws is crucial when planning the transfer of assets. Our estate planning attorneys help clients minimize estate taxes and avoid overpayment, ensuring that the wealth you’ve accumulated benefits your loved ones or chosen charities.
Other Probate Attorney Services
Our estate planning attorneys also handle additional services such as healthcare and Medicaid planning, guardianships, business succession, and marital property agreements.
Get Expert Advice from an Austin Estate Planning Attorney
Whether you’re creating a will, setting up a trust, or handling probate litigation, Kelly Legal Group is your trusted partner. Our estate planning attorneys in Austin, TX, are dedicated to protecting your interests and ensuring your wishes are carried out.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your estate planning options and provide tailored solutions. Contact Kelly Legal Group at (737) 257-6341 today to schedule your appointment, or fill out our online form to request more information.
Estate Planning Attorney FAQs
An estate planning attorney is the type of lawyer who handles wills. They specialize in creating wills and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning attorneys also handle trusts, powers of attorney, and probate matters.
A will is a document that outlines how your assets are distributed after your death. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement that allows someone else to manage your assets during your lifetime and after your passing.
A living trust allows you to retain control over your assets while you’re alive. After your death, the trustee manages and distributes the assets according to your instructions, bypassing the probate process.
Yes, you can use a will to create a trust. This is often referred to as a testamentary trust. However, a will-based trust is subject to probate, unlike a living trust, which bypasses probate entirely.
While it is not required to have a lawyer draft your will, working with an estate planning attorney ensures your will is legally valid and tailored to your specific needs, reducing the likelihood of disputes or complications.
If you die without a will (intestate), Texas state laws will determine how your assets are distributed. This may lead to outcomes that differ from your wishes and can cause delays and complications for your loved ones.