Every family is unique in their structure, dynamics, assets, and estate planning goals. An attorney who focuses their law practice exclusively in the area of estate planning is best able to advise you on estate planning options tailored to your objectives.

Our estate planning attorneys in Fort Worth TX help you through the process of deciding how to divide your assets and advise you on the documents you need to ensure your wishes will be fulfilled. They can also help create documents to protect you if you become sick and can assist in protecting your hard-earned assets in the event of a future nursing home admission through medical directives.

A referral from a trusted friend or relative is always a good start. We also encourage people who are interested in our estate planning services to read our online reviews, visit our Facebook page, and check with the Better Business Bureau.

However, the most important thing when deciding who to select as your estate planning attorney in Fort Worth or elsewhere, is that you feel comfortable working with that person.

An estate planning attorney is much more than just a lawyer, they are a confidant, an advisor, and will be working with you and your family for many years to come.

Without knowing your particular circumstance and estate planning goals, it is difficult to provide an exact estimate. However, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $3000 for a will-based estate plan and between $4000 and $7000 for a trust-based estate plan.

Each of these plans should include all necessary documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, declarations of guardian, and all documents transferring your real estate into your trust.

We believe in a flat fee model. This means there are no future surprises or charges for questions, revisions, or additions to your estate plan. Not all law firms practice this way, some prefer an hourly rate for present and future service needs.

1. Find an experienced estate planning attorney in Fort Worth TX or your local area;

2. Meet or talk with the attorney to determine if they are a good fit for you and your family’s needs;

3. Be prepared to discuss your property and family situation with the attorney;

4. Work with an estate planning attorney who designs a comprehensive and customized program for you and your loved ones;

5. Employ an attorney with well-defined fees for legal services, preferably not one who bills by the hour;

6. Enlist the services of an attorney who provides timely legal services;

7. Utilize an attorney who maintains your estate planning program for your lifetime;

8. Build a relationship with an estate planning attorney who supports your surviving loved ones.

Here are some of the questions you should ask your estate planning attorney:

1. What do I need to do to prepare for our initial meeting?

2. Will there be a charge for the initial meeting?

3. What type of experience does the attorney have in the area of estate planning?

4. Is the attorney a recognized authority in the area on estate planning?

5. Is the attorney asked to speak on issues relating to estate planning?

6. Has the attorney authored any books or articles relating to estate planning that you can read ahead of time for context?

7. Does the attorney have experience with any particular items that are of concern to you – such as special needs individuals, blended families, leaving assets to grandchildren, and other special circumstances?

8. Does the attorney prepare your estate plan based on hourly fees or a flat rate, and when will you be advised as to the total financial arrangements necessary to put a plan in place?

9. Does the attorney charge for updates or changes to your estate planning documents?

10. Can the attorney handle complex estate planning issues?

11. Does the attorney have any reviews or recommendations you can reference prior to your decision to work together?

Estate planning has some overlap with elder law, but the two are not essentially the same.

At the core, estate planning involves making choices about who you want to receive your assets when you pass away.

However, an experienced estate planning attorney in Fort Worth (or any location) will ensure that your estate plan does much more than pass assets to your heirs. Based on your unique circumstances, your estate plan may include staggered distribution schedules for different beneficiaries based on their different needs or provisions for individuals with special needs.

Your estate plan may be designed with your blended family in mind. Your estate plan may be structured to shelter your assets from lawsuits, to manage tax considerations, or from future nursing home expenses.  Your estate plan should always include legal disability documents, including medical powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney, declarations of guardianship, and living wills.

Finally, a good estate plan will work for you while you are alive in case you become incapacitated for any reason, and can continue to work for you long after you have passed away if that is what you want to accomplish with your estate plan.

The very first step of creating an estate plan is to make a list of your goals and concerns. If you have a spouse, you should discuss it and include their questions, concerns, and desires on your list as well.

Once you have an idea of what you wish to accomplish, the next step is speaking with an experienced estate planning attorney. It’s best to ask for a free phone consultation for two reasons.

First, to inquire about their experience handling concerns such as those on your list. Second, to see if they are a good fit for you in terms of your comfort level, their fees, and also continued accessibility when future questions arise.

He or she will become a trusted advisor for years to come, so also inquire about the future costs of estate planning in addition to their current fees.

At Thomas-Walters, we welcome these questions and conversations. You can set up a free, no-obligation 15-min phone call, here.