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When researching potential attorneys for your case, always do your homework. Choosing an unqualified or dishonest attorney could not only result in a negative outcome for your legal situation, but it could also cost you more money in the long run.

An important component of an estate plan is a statutory durable power of attorney, otherwise called a general power of attorney. This power of attorney allows you to name an agent to carry on business-type activities on your behalf if, for any reason, you are not able to do so yourself. Essentially, it helps you avoid needing a guardianship, which can be a costly and complicated process. You should not procrastinate this critical estate planning tool, as you never know what the future has in store.

An independent administration is the form of probate available when a Will contains the proper legal provisions authorizing the independent administration of the estate. This means you can avoid extensive court supervision of the handling of the estate once the will has been admitted to probate. This procedure will need to be used to settle an estate with a Will where the muniment of title approach cannot be used because of outstanding debts.

Families frequently come to me needing to know how to figure out who gets what when a loved one dies without a will. Unfortunately, the answer is that they may be in for a lot of expense and time in a very complicated legal proceeding. A judge will need to determine who will receive portions of the estate, either using an Affidavit of Heirship or an Application for Determination of Heirship.

Estate planning is even more important for LGBTQ+ individuals, yet it is often overlooked until it is too late. Whether you are married or not, you should consider drawing up a Will, a statutory durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, a power of attorney to dispose of remains, and review possible beneficiary designations to ensure your wishes are honored in the event of your passing.

In this series of blogs, I have outlined various different types of probates and probate alternatives to help you settle an estate and understand the potential costs. A dependent administration is significantly more expensive than any other type of probate. Wise estate planning could avoid this high cost.

Guardianships are a complicated legal proceeding. Most people have no clue exactly how complicated and expensive they are. In some situations, however, a guardianship is required to manage the affairs of a loved one. This typically includes a loved one becoming incompetent, a minor child losing both parents, and an individual functioning with diminished capacity in some way.

Guardianships are complicated and time-consuming. Unfortunately, they can also be expensive. The cost of guardianship will depend on the type, labor involved, and the specific situation of the ward. While a guardianship will likely cost you several thousand dollars, in many instances, it may be necessary to avoid heartache in the future for you and your loved one.

An Affidavit of Heirship may be used where there is no Will, and even if there is a Will, if you can determine a third party will accept it to transfer the assets of the estate. The affidavit sets out the family history of the decedent fully enough to determine, under the Texas laws of inheritance, who would be entitled to receive the estate. The cost will depend on several factors but typically is less than $1,000.

Guardianships are a complicated legal proceeding, but the right attorney can guide you through the process and improve your peace of mind. The key to finding the best attorney for your family is to research your options ahead of time, consider their communication style and personality, and discuss their fee structure to ensure nothing takes you by surprise.