Do I Need An Estate Attorney - Part 3

 

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 addressed situations involving Non-U.S. citizens, Disinheriting and Blended families. Part 3 addresses 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.

 

If you provide care for anyone who has special needs or is incapacitated or if you receive Medicare payments on someone’s behalf then you probably need to appoint a guardian for them in your estate planning documents. Guardianship is a serious matter because the guardian will need to make decisions on behalf of the individual, potentially including how their money is handled, what kind of healthcare they receive, and end-of-life decisions. An estate attorney can help you create a robust plan that’s tailored to your specific needs and your desires.

 

In the case where an individual receives long-term care or other services through Medicaid, the Medicaid Recovery program may seek repayment by claiming some of your estate. If this is your situation, you may want to look for an estate attorney who specializes in elder law to help you create a solid estate plan that will protect your assets and allow you to pass on as much of your estate as possible.

 

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.