Trust Lawyer in Texas – All You Need to Know About Trusts, But Were Afraid to Ask

What is trust, and how does it differ from a will? Which one is better? Trusts and wills have distinct pros and cons, and you can choose a suitable option after understanding both estate planning tools. Learn more about the traditional last will & testament versus a trust and hire an experienced, reliable trust lawyer in Texas to find the best fit for your family. Reading through the following characteristics below will help you understand the different elements of a trust. This article will cover the basic aspects of a trust, the various types, and benefits, while making a fair comparison between a trust and a will. Keep reading to learn more and consult with a knowledgeable trust attorney in Texas to clarify any questions before moving forward with your customized made estate plan. 

What Is a Trust?

A trust is an estate planning tool to manage your assets and decide future distribution provisions upon death. Additionally, trusts can help plan who will take your property and how to manage it in the event of your incapacity or disability. Trusts have specific elements and legal powers to manage your property, assets, and estate after your death in order to distribute it based on your wishes. 

An experienced trust attorney in Texas can create different types of trusts to meet distinct interests and serve specific purposes. It is critical to hire a skilled trust lawyer in Texas to protect your interests after death. It is worth mentioning that you might find the basics of Texas trust law a bit complex and daunting, which makes the use of a qualified trust lawyer in Texas all the more valuable. 

In brief, you can say a trust works as a legal entity and holds the property to protect the interest of others. You can put any assets into a trust, including bonds, stocks, cash, real estate, artwork, and insurance policies. Also, you can make your goals clear while keeping your assets in a trust. The objective might be generating more income or securing it for future benefits. You might want a trust to make more from your investment and use it to pay your taxes after death. Also, you can save it for your family and give it to your kids after death. As mentioned earlier, there are different types of trusts with unique features. A trust attorney in Texas can offer you the best guidance in this regard.

Once you create a trust, you will be a grantor, trustor, or settlor of that trust. A grantor can name the people who will receive assets from the trust, which are known as beneficiaries. The beneficiaries might be your family members, a charity, or even a close friend. The beneficiaries can access your property or receive the income generated by them when you are alive or after your death. The trustee will take charge of a trust, manage assets, and distribute the property, according to your terms and wishes.

You can name a financial institution or a person as a trustee, depending on the type of trust you’ve created. In some cases, you can become the trustee as well. Also, you can have more than one trustee if you want to do so for better management of your assets. Since you can use a trust for different purposes, it is critical to fully understand trust law and utilize the assistance of a leading trust lawyer in Texas to maximize the benefits.

Additionally, you can create a trust to serve distinct financial interests. For example, you can use it to reduce estate taxes, protect your assets from creditors, and preserve your property for your children and grandchildren. Also, a trust can be an ideal source to generate additional income from your investments. There is the option of setting up a fund to manage your finances in case of disability or incapacity. In a trust, qualified professionals will manage your money. However, you will need a Texas trust attorney to represent your interests in the best possible manner.

It is worth mentioning that many characteristics will depend on the type of trust. The mechanisms and benefits will vary, and it is prudent to speak with an experienced trust attorney in Texas to fully understand which type of trust is right for you. In some cases, you might require more than one type of trust to achieve your financial goals. Discuss the pros and cons of each type with your Texas trust attorney, and then proceed with confidence.

There are several benefits of hiring a trust attorney in Texas. First, the trust lawyer in Texas will possess a keen understanding of Texas trust law and the complications related to this area. Additionally, you will understand the fee structure, procedures, advantages, and downsides. There is no “one size fits all” approach to estate planning. 

How Do Trusts Work in Texas?

As stated above, for many, the objectives of a trust are to protect assets for the family, generate income from it, or preserve property for generations to come. You will need to designate a trustee to manage your assets, but many prefer to be the trustee of their trusts to have more control over their assets. Also, you can name a trusted advisor or friend to become the successor trustee after your death to manage your estate and distribute assets to your named beneficiaries.

The terms and conditions of distinct types of trusts will vary greatly, and only a qualified trust attorney in Texas can provide the best guidance. 

A trust will have different elements, including the beneficiary and a trustee, but the trustee will have some distinct duties to the beneficiaries. You can have more than one trustee for better management when you have different types of assets. By doing so, you can serve specific interests. The trustee will maintain the record, invest your assets to generate profits, and take the necessary precautions to prevent comingling different assets. However, you cannot transfer your legal obligations or debts to others. It is advisable to seek guidance from financial and legal experts, including a trust attorney in Texas, for better management. Texas trust law decides the duties of a trustee and the subsequent trust. However, there might be some additional duties laid out in the terms of the trust document.

There are several types of trusts with some specific features and unique benefits. All of them work distinctly and serve particular interests. However, a living revocable trust is often the preferred choice for many. It works as a legal body and takes care of your assets when you are alive. The assets you pass to a revocable trust will not be subject to probate. The trust can transfer the assets to your beneficiaries, following the rules mentioned in the terms and conditions. You can hand over your assets immediately and hold them for a specific time based on the situation. For example, a trust can hold and safeguard your assets for a college fund or wedding. The beneficiary will receive the funds in the pre-determined time.

Many find a living revocable trust attractive due to its flexibility. With a living revocable trust, you can alter or revise the terms, add or subtract assets/property, or dissolve altogether during your lifetime. Also, trusts are private legal entities and not a part of public or county records. Thus, others cannot access your trust documents without your permission. Another benefit is that a trust can protect your interests and manage assets when you are ill and incapable of managing your property. Your trustee or successor trustee will step in to handle such a situation. Your trustee is a fiduciary and will distribute your funds following the written terms while protecting your best interest. 

On the contrary, an irrevocable trust works in a slightly different way. You cannot change or dissolve this trust after creating it, unlike revocable trusts. The terms of the irrevocable trust are set in stone, with no alterations or revisions possible. For example, you cannot change your beneficiaries, remove assets, or rewrite the terms of an irrevocable trust. The type of trust can protect your estate from creditors and debtors as you no longer have control over your assets. 

Due to the fact that you relinquished control over your assets, all property/assets will be removed from the taxable estate. As a result, the final estate tax liability will be less, and your beneficiaries will receive more. Also, the property transferred to beneficiaries can avoid probate, and you can get protection from creditors. There are different options with irrevocable trusts, and terms and conditions will vary based on the type. For example, some might hold personal residences or life insurance policies. You can create one to generate more income from your assets as well. Talk to a trust lawyer in Texas and create a trust that will serve your interests in the best manner.

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, you can also create a “trust” in your last will and testament. This type of trust is a “testamentary trust.”  Once your will pass through probates, the trust will spring into existence. The selected assets will pass into the trust. After this critical step, it will work like any other trust. The testamentary trust will document your beneficiaries and direct how to distribute your assets. These trusts are amazing tools in that they give you the freedom to manage your assets from beyond the grave.

All trusts are unique and designed to meet the distinct needs of people. There will be specific rules for usage and how they work. You can attempt to study and research Texas trust law and decipher the different types of trusts, requirements, and procedures on your own. However, the easier and safer option is to consult with a trust attorney in Texas. Legal professionals have the requisite experience in trust law and can produce the most favorable outcomes for their clients. 

What are the Trust Laws in Texas?

There will be a few requirements under the Texas trust law. First, the settlor must be of sound mind and body to create a trust. The settlor is an individual responsible for creating the trust and naming the trustee and beneficiaries. Also, the settlor must have the power to put assets into a trust, and the trust needs to work under the Statute of Frauds.

According to Texas trust law, every trust must serve a legal purpose. The settlor can identify the property covered by the trust and place it for the benefit of beneficiaries. A trust must have a trustee to control the legal property of the settlor. Each needs ascertainable beneficiaries to come into effect. It will fail when the settlor cannot provide the name of the beneficiaries, as stated in Texas trust law. Also, the trust must obey the state rules. Further, for any trust to succeed it must be properly funded.

There will also be specific rules in Texas trust law regarding the creator. First, the owner will need a declaration to prove the ownership of the property. Second, the property owner must transfer the property to a trustee to transfer to its beneficiaries following the terms and conditions of the trust.

What Is the Main Purpose of a Trust?

The primary purpose of a trust is to place your assets under a legal entity for future usage. You can use the property during your lifetime or after death. You can generate income from your property and transfer it to your beneficiaries on specific occasions or immediately based on certain conditions. The terms and conditions of different trusts will vary. However, most of them will serve the same purpose and enable you to safeguard assets for you and your family. Apart from that, you can expect numerous benefits. For example, you can preserve the financial interest of your loved ones even in death by creating a trust.

Many consider creating a trust to reduce the financial burden of their families in their absence. You can combine a trust and a will to ensure additional benefits. However, a trust will have more advantages than a will since it will be a private document and can generate more income to meet different needs during your lifetime and after your death.

You can work with a Texas trust attorney and create a trust to protect your assets, reduce your taxes, and help your children avoid the lengthy probate court process. In addition, you can support your family expenses following an untimely death. A trust covers different aspects and makes financial matters hassle-free for your family after your passing. A trust will decide beneficiaries, trustees, and how to manage and distribute your assets upon death. Hence, there will be no area for confusion. It will also determine who will manage your assets when you have a minor child. You can consider having more than one trustee when you want to take care of different interests.

A trust can be perfect for all those who want to transfer properties to beneficiaries without going through the hassles of a lengthy legal process. For example, you can achieve the following by creating a trust.

• You can place your assets, name beneficiaries, and choose a time to transfer the property for the best use.
• You can save beneficiaries from paying court fees and estate taxes.
• You can protect properties from creditors and support your family expenses after death.
• You can decide where the property will go in the event of the death of your beneficiaries. It can help when you have a blended family.
• You can avoid the probate process by creating a trust. As a result, you can save time and money.

In brief, a trust will enable you to control your finances when you have passed. You can decide where your assets will go and when your loved ones can use them. A trust will enable you to pass on your assets privately and quickly without going through a lengthy legal process. 

Moreover, once the matter goes to probate court, the judge will have the final say with regards to asset and property distribution. The probate process may drag on for months or years. Additionally, it will be made public, and others can access the document. You can avoid these hassles and make the process entirely private with a trust. Your beneficiaries will receive their deserved assets without going through a complicated legal process. It is recommended that you visit an experienced trust attorney in Texas that can set up a customized trust for your family’s needs. 

As mentioned earlier, a trust can serve various purposes, but the objective remains the same. It will protect your interests and the interests of your family. Below are a few purposes of creating a trust that you can review to learn more. 

Control Over Your Assets

A trust is the optimal way to distribute your property to your beneficiaries. A skilled Texas trust attorney will create a suitable trust to distribute your property among your family members. Texas trust law offers flexible options to manage your property after death. You can have your trust and allow trustees to manage your assets. You can decide who will receive your property and when your beneficiaries will receive it. Also, you can set the terms and conditions of your trust document. It will help your family get their share without going through probate, a complex legal process. It is also advantageous when you have children from multiple marriages.

Protection from Creditors: You can consider creating trust when you want to protect your children from creditors. The trust will have terms and names of beneficiaries, and they can receive assets without other obligations not mentioned in the terms and conditions. 

Maintains Your Privacy

Maintaining your privacy and anonymity is one of the key benefits of a trust. A trust is a private document and will not appear on public records. More importantly, no one can access the legal document and its terms and conditions without your consent. Also, you can avoid the lengthy probate process with a trust. Speak to a Texas trust attorney and inquire about Texas trust laws if you want to protect your beneficiaries from probate.

Incapacity Planning

A trust has many advanced features to protect the interests of diverse types of people. You can manage your assets after your death and plan for your incapacity. For example, you can decide who will manage your property when you cannot due to a sudden illness or disability. The trust will have guidelines and instructions, which will provide peace of mind in unpleasant situations.

Charitable Planning

You can consider a long-range tax-efficient plan and donate your assets to charitable trusts the way you want. The trust will manage your resources based on your terms and conditions. You can also become a trustee and choose a successor to control your properties in your absence.

Apart from all these, you can get life insurance ownership benefits. Consult your trust lawyer in Texas to know how a trust can enable you to make more from your insurance. Further, you can plan for special needs when a family member requires specialized medical attention and care. Your loved ones will continue to receive financial assistance even after your death. Discuss with your trust attorney in Texas about the various types of trust and create one to serve your unique interests. Since there are numerous options, you might get confused without the help of an experienced Texas trust attorney.

What Is a Trust and How Does It Work?

A trust is a legal entity designed to protect the interest of grantors after death. It works like a traditional will but is distinct from it in many aspects. Trusts are like vehicles that will transport your property from you to your heirs after your death. You will decide the destination, driver, and assets aboard the vehicle. You will determine every aspect and ensure a smooth transition from you to your heirs. Properly executed and funded trusts avoid probate, unlike wills. As a result, you will save on legal expenses and time. A trust attorney in Texas can guide you through the process and save your heirs from lengthy and expensive legal complications.

All trusts will serve different purposes, and your Texas trust attorney can find the best fit for you. You can consult your trust attorney in Texas and know which one meets your specific financial situation and which terms and conditions will serve your best interests. As stated earlier, there are specific requirements to create a trust. You can name a trustee or more than one successor trustee and beneficiaries. The trustee will oversee your property. The trustee can either be a trusted friend, family member or a financial institution. You can also be the trustee and appoint a successor to act after your death. The successor trustee can control your property or transfer it to your beneficiaries based on the terms and conditions of your trust document. 

You can say that creating a trust is a legal process intended to distribute property among specific beneficiaries after death. The grantor forms a trust, puts assets in it, and authorizes the third party to control them and distribute them to beneficiaries at the specified time. However, you can hire a trust attorney in Texas to make the most of your efforts. The legal expert will save you time and other unnecessary headaches related to distributing your property after your death. 

There is a common misconception that trusts are only for the rich and famous. There is no specific net worth associated with a trust. Trusts are for everyone, and you do not need to be uber wealthy to establish a trust. You can read up on Texas trust law and learn how it secures the interest of all categories of people. A Texas trust attorney can help anyone create a trust, ensure hassle-free distribution of property, and give you the peace of mind that you deserve. Trusts are invaluable tools available to people from all walks of life.

You will find a trust simple to manage if you know how it works. However, the entire process might appear lengthy and complicated when you are new to it. You can make it easier on yourself with the help of a qualified trust attorney in Texas. You will benefit from their vast legal experience by making the entire process less time-consuming and more beneficial for your beneficiaries. Now, let’s delve into how a trust works.

A trust involves three distinct parties: a grantor, a beneficiary, and one or more trustees. We have covered the role of each one in our earlier discussion. To reiterate, the grantor is the one who creates the trust and places assets in it. You can be a grantor and establish your trust, but you need to prove the ownership of your property before putting it in your trust. The beneficiaries are those who will receive your assets placed in the trust. You will name the beneficiaries and prove their identities. The last part is the trustee’s role in working between the grantor and beneficiaries. The trustee is the one who will take control of the assets and distribute them to the named beneficiaries. Like beneficiaries, you will name the trustee, and are able to choose more than one. You can keep this power with you and become the trustee yourself, but you must mention at least one successor trustee who will take over after your death.

The goal of a trust is to transfer properties or assets from one individual to another without legal complications. You can avoid many legal complexities if you consider creating a trust. Also, you can place different assets in a trust, including houses, investment accounts, and cars to name a few. In most cases, you can avoid probate after your death with a trust. Probate is a lengthy legal process, which involves additional expenses and time. You can protect your heirs from probate by placing your assets in a trust. It is recommended to talk to a trust lawyer in Texas understand the implications of setting up a trust. 

What Are the Benefits of a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity created by a trust attorney in Texas which protects your interests and the interests of your heirs. It makes the transfer of assets from you to your heirs simple and straightforward. Your experienced Texas trust attorney can find the best type of trust for you based on your financial conditions and long-term goals. Below are the key benefits of creating trust:

Avoids the Probate Process

As mentioned earlier, your assets will pass through probate before being distributed to your loved ones.  Probate is a legal process to verify and distribute assets. It is by court order with often a long waiting period for the estate to settle. However, this procedure can be avoided by creating a trust. Your trust lawyer in Texas understands this complex area of the law and will guide you in the right direction.  A trust is a private legal contract, but a will is a part of the public record. Once you have a trust, you should engage with your Texas trust attorney to ensure upkeep of your trust assets. In addition, a trust will take care of your loved one’s financial needs after your death or incapacity. 

Offers Tax Benefits

There are revocable and irrevocable trusts. While one offers a lot of flexibility, the other will have its limitations. You can make changes in one type of trust, but the other is not amendable. For example, you can change the terms and trustees if you create a revocable. But you cannot change an irrevocable trust once you have signed the agreement with your Texas trust attorney. After transferring your assets and property to an irrevocable trust, you cannot revise or amend the document. The assets now belong to the irrevocable trust – not to you. A trust lawyer in Texas can help you create either a revocable or irrevocable trust based on your needs. 

Helps with Customization

A trust can enable you to customize your assets and ensure the proper distribution of your property without involving a complex legal process. You will have the option to add several types of assets based on your financial condition. You can add parameters and conditions for the usage of those assets. For example, you can set terms to hand over the property when your children reach certain ages or stages in life. You may consider a milestone moment or some other specific event for asset distribution. The trust will follow your wishes, and the trustee will hand over your property at the designated time. Also, you can set a limitation on the money for each occasion. You can do, whatever you want, to make the best use of your assets. Your Texas trust attorney will document everything, and you can rest assured that your heirs will receive the property when they need it the most.

Gives More Freedom

You can get more freedom if you consider a revocable trust. It can provide financial support during your disability and illness. Yes, you can create a trust for incapacity and help your family to meet their expenses when you are incapable of doing so. A trust can come to your rescue and meet your financial needs. Your trustee will distribute your property on your behalf when you cannot do it due to severe illness or incapacities. The trustee will file tax returns, pay your bills, and take care of other expenses. However, you can name a successor trustee when you are the trustee of your trust. The successor will take charge of your property and manage your financial responsibilities. You can hire an experienced trust lawyer in Texas and find ways to protect your interests in every condition. No one likes to go through this, but life is unpredictable, and you can prepare yourself for all uncertainties and safeguard the interest of your family during difficult times.

Provides Flexible Ways

Consult a trust attorney in Texas and create a trust to meet all your specific interests. The Texas trust law has solutions for all types of people, but you can expect more flexibility if you create a revocable trust. Once you establish this trust, whenever you want, you can change the terms and make necessary changes based on your current condition. You can change your trust’s terms and conditions to suit the changes in your life. You can change the trustee and other aspects to make it more beneficial for beneficiaries. You can add more beneficiaries, remove the current ones, and include some terms. A revocable trust can enable you to adapt your plans appropriately.

A trust can simplify the asset distribution process and enable you to distribute financial legacy without much complication. A skilled trust attorney in Texas understands the unique condition of each and can plan a trust accordingly. Know how to protect your interests and get the best help from a trust lawyer in Texas.

What Are the Most Common Types of Trusts?

There are several types of trusts with unique features. You review the following to understand the key types and then visit a trust lawyer in Texas to find the best fit. 

• Living Trusts: You can create a living trust and transfer your assets to it. Your trustee will transfer your assets to beneficiaries after your death. The assets in a living trust will not go through probate. Instead, it receives the most appreciation for this unique benefit.
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• Revocable Trusts: A revocable trust offers a lot of freedom to the grantor. You can change terms or revoke the trust anytime you want. A trustee will oversee your asset and distribute it to beneficiaries at specified times and occasions. However, only the grantor can modify the terms of a revocable trust. Others cannot change the conditions after the death of the grantor. Also, the assets placed in this trust will not pass probate. But these properties will come under the taxable estate of the grantor.
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• Irrevocable Trusts: The assets placed in an irrevocable trust get more tax benefits. But you cannot remove those assets once you keep them in the trust. Also, you cannot change terms and beneficiaries. An irrevocable trust offers favorable tax benefits for many properties, including personal residences, annuities, and life insurance policies.
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• Educational Trusts: Mostly, parents and grandparents create these trusts to support the education of their children and grandchildren. The grantor places funds in a trust, and the trustee ensures that the assets will serve the intended purpose. It has a limited objective and pays education fees or meets similar expenses.
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• Special Needs Trusts: You might find this trust a bit different from other above options. This type of trust supports the financial needs of a disabled family member or loved ones. The beneficiary gets financial support, but it does not impact the status of beneficiaries to receive government-offered benefits.
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• Pet Trusts: You can also consider creating a pet trust. When you have a pet trust, your furry friend can get all the assistance and financial support when you are not around. The trustee will offer aid based on the terms and conditions determined by you.
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• Testamentary Trusts: It is a different type of trust created by the will. It will not come into existence before the death of the grantor. Also, it needs to go through the probate process before implementation. However, the grantor will have the option to change the terms and conditions during the lifetime. But it will be irrevocable after the death of the grantor.
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There are different types of trusts in Texas trust law, and you might get confused without the help of a Texas trust attorney. A trust lawyer in Texas can help you understand the terms and conditions of various types of trusts. You can consider one for your minor kids and other family members with the guidance of a trust attorney in Texas. You can find a trustee for your trust and place most of your assets, including stocks, property, businesses, bank accounts, money, investments, and other things. It is better to go with a revocable trust since you can change the terms, but irrevocable will offer more tax benefits. Understand your financial condition to create a suitable trust for your beneficiaries.

Who Controls a Trust?

“Control” will depend on the type of trust you want to create. You will have the most control with living revocable trusts. Remember, a trust is a legal and private document that enables you to manage your property. Since you create it, you will be the grantor and enjoy maximum power. Therefore, you can manage your property the way you want under Texas trust law.

You will name your successor trustees, beneficiaries, and decide the terms and conditions for transferring your assets upon your death. Hence, you will have more control over your trust. Also, you can become a trustee and take care of assets. You can name your successor to take charge of your asset and distribute it to your heirs at specific times. You can change your trustee, beneficiaries, and terms when you have a revocable trust. You should consult a trust attorney in Texas when you are new to this. 

Will Vs. Trust: What’s the Difference?

Both are legal documents with unique features and distinct characteristics. A trust is a legal document that will decide when you will distribute your property, who will get your property, and who will distribute it after your death. This private legal record will document the intentions of the grantor when it comes to a trust. You can access a trust’s assets during your lifetime in most situations, but wills will have distinct terms. Will come into effect after your death, go through the probate process, and are more limited in nature. However, both wills and trusts are a crucial part of estate planning and play a role in the distribution of assets. It is imperative to consult with a qualified trust attorney in Texas to answer questions and review the pros and cons of each. 

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that comes into effect once the creator dies. It mentions the intention of the creator on the property distribution upon death. Your will decides who will receive your properties when you are no longer around. The legal document will include your instructions on financial matters that others need to follow after your death. It will designate a guardian for your minor children, provide instructions for your final disposition, and spell out your medical directives/end of life wishes. According to Texas state law, a will must be signed, witnessed and notarized. However, the will requires legal intervention, unlike a trust. It will go through the probate court before implementation, and the document will be available publicly. Others can access it in the records of the probate court if they choose to do so.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is also a legal document, like a will. However, it will have different terms and conditions with fewer legal complexities. Once you create a trust, you will give it the power to distribute your assets upon death. The grantor will place assets in the trust and name trustees and beneficiaries. You will decide the terms for the asset management and distribution, and you can change conditions when you choose some specific trusts. Your trust attorney in Texas will work with you and guide you down the right path. The trustee will handle your assets and distribute them following the terms and conditions mandated by you. Hence, it will protect the best interest of your beneficiaries. You can also consider a living trust and manage it during your lifetime. However, you cannot achieve this with a will since it will only come into existence after your death. Further, you can create a testamentary trust that will spring into effect only after your death.

In brief, a trust will decide how and when to transfer your assets, beneficiaries, and legal expenses. It will avoid probate and keep the document private. However, it will not specify the guardians for minor children. You cannot change the terms and conditions of trust once the creator dies as the trust becomes irrevocable at this point. 

Both wills and trusts have positives and negatives. You can use a trust lawyer in Texas to create an estate plan based on your unique situation and financial condition. Everyone’s family structure is different and thus, everyone’s needs are also different. Trust law is a complex area of the law and is best handled by legal experts in the field. Your Texas trust lawyer is the best person to consult when contemplating whether a will or trust is the right option for you. 

Whether you want to create a revocable or irrevocable trust, talk to an experienced trust lawyer in Texas. It’s prudent to educate yourself on the positives, negatives, and future benefits of both options. You cannot guarantee your presence in your family for all time, but you can protect their financial interests even if you are not around. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone, but estate planning does secure your family’s future.