Aledo, TX
Will
Lawyer

At The Cleverly Law Firm, we understand that estate planning is more than just drafting legal documents – it’s about securing your legacy and protecting the people you love most. As your trusted Aledo, TX will lawyer, we’re here to guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Texas Estate Code § 251.001 defines a will as a “testamentary instrument that… disposes of a person’s property on or after their death.” But a well-crafted will does so much more than simply distribute assets. It ensures your final wishes are carried out, provides for your loved ones, and gives you peace of mind, knowing your affairs are in order.

A Will Is an Essential Part of Your Estate Plan

A will, the most common estate planning tool out there, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you pass away.

With a will, you can:

• Name beneficiaries to inherit your property
• Designate a guardian for your minor children
• Specify final arrangements for your remains
• Minimize potential family conflicts
• Expedite the probate process

… But It’s Not Everything

A will is just one piece of a comprehensive estate plan. To fully protect your loved ones and assets, you may also need:

• Trusts: Offer control and protection for your assets during your lifetime and beyond
• Powers of Attorney: Authorize someone to manage your financial and medical affairs if you become incapacitated
• Advance Directives: Express your preferences for end-of-life care, such as whether to remain on life support
• Beneficiary Designations: Name beneficiaries for life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets that pass outside of probate

At The Cleverly Law Firm, we’ll help you understand the role of each estate planning tool and create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs.

Our Will and Estate Planning Services in Aledo, TX

Drafting and Updating Wills

No two families are alike, and neither are their estate planning needs. At The Cleverly Law Firm, we take the time to get to know you, your family dynamics, and your long-term goals. This allows us to draft a will that genuinely reflects your wishes and stands up to legal scrutiny. We’ll also help you update your will periodically to keep pace with life’s changes, such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths.

Trusts

Trusts are powerful tools that offer an extra layer of control and protection for your assets. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Revocable Living Trusts: Allows you to modify the trust during your lifetime and can help avoid probate.
• Irrevocable Trusts: Offer asset protection and potential tax benefits, but typically can’t be changed once established.
• Special Needs Trusts: Provide for loved ones with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
• Charitable Trusts: Support causes you care about while potentially minimizing estate and gift taxes.

As your Aledo, TX will lawyer, we’ll help you understand the pros and cons of each type of trust and create a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone – it’s also about protecting yourself during your lifetime. Powers of attorney and advance directives are essential tools that allow you to:

• Designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated (Durable Power of Attorney).
• Name a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t (Medical Power of Attorney).
• Express your preferences for end-of-life care, such as whether to remain on life support (Advance Directive to Physicians or “Living Will”).

At The Cleverly Law Firm, we’ll help you create these documents as part of a comprehensive estate plan that safeguards your well-being and respects your autonomy.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and settling an estate. While having a will is essential, a thoughtfully crafted estate plan can help your loved ones avoid or minimize the time and expense of probate. We’ll work with you to explore strategies such as using revocable living trusts, designating beneficiaries on accounts, and taking advantage of Texas’ simplified probate procedures when applicable.

If probate is necessary, our team will guide your executor and beneficiaries through every step of the process. From opening the estate to distributing assets and closing the estate, we’ll handle the legal heavy lifting so your family can focus on healing.

Helping Aledo Families Plan for the Future

Estate planning is about more than just dollars and cents – it’s about securing your family’s future and leaving a meaningful legacy.

At The Cleverly Law Firm, we’re here to help you navigate the unique challenges that come with planning for the future, such as:

• Blended Families: We’ll help you ensure all your loved ones – biological children, stepchildren, and new spouses – are provided for in a way that minimizes conflict and honors your wishes.
• Asset Protection: Whether you’re shielding your wealth from creditors, preserving eligibility for Medicaid, or safeguarding your children’s inheritance, we’ll create a plan that keeps your hard-earned assets secure.
• Charitable Giving: If you’re passionate about supporting a charitable cause, we’ll explore options like charitable trusts, donor-advised funds, and private foundations that align with your philanthropic goals.
• Business Succession: For Aledo entrepreneurs, estate planning and business succession go hand-in-hand. We’ll help you create a plan that ensures your company’s continued success and provides for your loved ones.

At The Cleverly Law Firm, we believe that estate planning is a journey, not a destination. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, helping you adapt your plan as your life and goals evolve.

Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation Today

Taking the first step toward securing your legacy is easy. Simply contact us to schedule your estate planning consultation. We offer convenient in-person, phone, and video consultations to fit your busy schedule.

During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your unique situation, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for creating an estate plan that reflects your values and protects what matters most.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start planning for the future. Contact Cleverly Law today and take control of your legacy. Together, we’ll craft an estate plan that gives you peace of mind and secures your family’s tomorrow.