Do I Need An Estate Attorney - Part 2

 

An estate planning attorney is trained in matters related to passing on your assets after you die, and planning for situations where you can no longer care for yourself. They are experts in wills, trusts, and your local probate process. Some estate attorneys may also have specialties, like planning the succession of a business. You may also see an estate attorney called an estate planning attorney, an estate attorney, or an estate planning attorney.

 

Depending on your situation, you may or may not necessarily need the help of an estate attorney. Someone with a simple situation may not need to pay for an estate attorney’s help. Business owners and people with assets in other states or countries should consider hiring an estate attorney. Your documents could be more complex if you care for someone who is incapacitated or has special needs making hiring an estate attorney almost a necessity. To leave assets to a stepchild, stepparent, or half-sibling, consider working with an estate attorney. Most people could benefit from working with an estate attorney, but it may not be necessary in many situations. On the other hand, people in certain situations may need the help of an expert to ensure their estate plans are comprehensive and accurately state their intentions.

 

This 3 part series of articles will identify situations where hiring an estate attorney may be advisable. Situations involving any of the following areas should seek the help of an experienced estate attorney:

 

• Business succession
• Out-of-state property or assets
• Foreign property or assets
• Non-U.S. citizens
• Disinheriting
• Blended families
• Guardianship
• Medicaid

 

Part 1 addressed situations involving Business succession, Out-of-state property or assets and Foreign property or assets. Part 2 addresses situations involving Non-U.S. citizens, Disinheriting and Blended families. Part 3 will address situations involving Guardianship and Medicaid.

 

Situations when you should hire an estate attorney

 

Everyone’s financial situation is different and it’s difficult to say that you should or should not hire an attorney, but here are some common situations where you may want to consider hiring an estate attorney instead of doing things on your own.

 

Individuals that plan on bequeathing assets to someone who isn’t a citizen and those who plan to name an executor who isn't a legal U.S. resident could run into issues. Certain tasks, like getting a tax ID to open an estate account, may not be possible for nonresidents. People in these situations need the help of an estate attorney.

 

If you want to disinherit immediate family you may or may not be able to do so legally. This can be especially true in cases involving community property states where you and your spouse share ownership of your assets. An experienced estate attorney can guide you through the process to determine what can be done legally.

 

In the case of blended families when assets are bequeathed to a stepchild, stepparent, or half-sibling; these individuals most likely won’t receive any of your assets unless you take deliberate steps to ensure they do. An estate attorney is your best option for ensuring your desires are fulfilled.

 

Call your Amarillo estate planning attorney today

 

Not sure how to ensure your estate planning is the best it can be for you and your loved ones? Don't worry. Many people have similar questions and go through the same line of questioning when deciding how to make their estate plan. It can be and often is critical that you get legal help understanding the basics of the estate planning process. The best way to get this understanding is to contact an experienced estate attorney near you. Stop and take a breath and call an Amarillo attorney who has had decades of experience.  Pick up the phone and call Amarillo Attorney Bill Cornett.  Bill is your choice as an experienced estate planning attorney in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.  Don’t waste another minute.  Call him today.

 

Your most important action may end up being the phone call that you make to your Amarillo estate planning attorney lawyer.  In the Texas Panhandle that call should be to Amarillo attorney Bill Cornett.  Whether you need assistance with a will, administration of an estate or a contested probate, contact the Law Office of Bill Cornett. Be smart…remember these phone numbers (806) 374-9498

or (800) 658-6618.

 

Put Cornett Law Firm’s 47+ years of experience to work for you

 

Bill Cornett, Amarillo Attorney, with Cornett Law Firm offers affordable, qualified services as an experienced personal injury lawyer, probate attorney, family law attorney, criminal law attorney, DWI attorney and divorce attorney. Bill also has experience in estate planning and agriculture law. Sit down with Bill at his office located at 612 S. Van Buren St. in Amarillo TX by calling (806) 374-9498 or (800) 658-6618 TODAY to schedule a free consultation.