Estate Planning

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Everyone has an estate. Your estate includes everything you own: real estate, vehicles, checking and savings accounts, retirement plans, life insurance policies, and personal belongings. Without a clear estate plan, the North Carolina or Texas intestacy statutes will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

A thoughtful estate plan gives your family clarity. It names who will inherit, who will care for minor children, and who will handle your affairs if you cannot. It can also reduce court involvement and keep your loved ones from unnecessary delays. It ensures that:

• Your assets go to the people and charities you care about
• A trusted decision maker manages your finances and medical decisions if you become incapacitated
• Your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal complications and probate delays
• Your minor children are cared for by people you trust
• Estate taxes and legal fees are minimized

Essential Estate Planning Documents

At Rania Combs Law, I help clients throughout Texas and North Carolina create customized estate plans that meet their unique needs. Your estate plan may include some of the following documents.

Wills

A Last Will and Testament sets out who inherits your probate assets, who will care for minor children, and who will serve as Executor to carry out your wishes.

Revocable Living Trusts

A Revocable Living Trust lets you manage your assets during your lifetime and can provide a smoother transfer at death. It can help avoid probate for assets that are properly titled in the trust. Some assets, like retirement accounts and life insurance policies, pass by beneficiary designation. We’ll work to coordinate those designations with your trust so everything works together and reflects your wishes.

Financial Powers of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you cannot. Without one, your family may need a court-supervised guardianship, which takes time and adds expense.

Medical Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives

A Medical Power of Attorney names a trusted person to make health care decisions if you are unable to do so. An Advance Directive (sometimes called a living will) records your end-of-life preferences so your family and medical team understand your wishes.

Special Needs Trusts

A Special Needs Trust can provide for a loved one with disabilities while protecting eligibility for needs-based benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. The trust can supplement benefits and improve their quality of life.

Planning for Business Owners

If you own a business, your plan can address management, continuity, and succession so your employees and family are protected and your business’s value is preserved.

Start Your Estate Planning Today

I work with individuals and families across Texas and North Carolina to create comprehensive estate plans that match their goals. We will talk about what matters to you, review how state rules apply, and prepare clear, well-organized documents your family can rely on. Virtual services are available so you can meet from home or work, whatever is most convenient for you.

Whether you need a simple will, a trust-based plan, or a review of existing documents, I can help you take the next step with confidence. If you are ready to put an estate plan in place or want to update a plan that no longer fits, schedule an appointment with Rania Combs Law. I also invite you to explore the resources below to learn more and make informed decisions about your estate plan.