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 comprehensive estate plan ensures that:
- Your assets go to the people and organizations you care about
- A trusted individual manages your finances and medical decisions if you become incapacitated
- Your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal complications and probate delays
- Your minor children have a legal guardian appointed
- Estate taxes and legal fees are minimized
Essential Estate Planning Documents
At Rania Combs Law, we help clients throughout Texas and North Carolina create customized estate plans that meet their unique needs. Your estate plan may include:
Wills
A last will and testament is the foundation of your estate plan. It outlines how your assets should be distributed, who will care for minor children, and appoints an executor to handle your affairs.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime while ensuring a seamless transfer to your beneficiaries after you pass away—helping to avoid probate.
Financial Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney designates someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to go through an expensive and time-consuming guardianship process.
Medical Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives
A medical power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. An advance directive (living will) outlines your preferences for end-of-life care.
Special Needs Trusts
If you have a loved one with disabilities, a special needs trust ensures they receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Planning for Business Owners
If you own a business, an estate plan can ensure a smooth transition, protecting your employees and family while preserving your legacy.
Start Your Estate Planning Today
At Rania Combs Law, we provide personalized estate planning services to help you protect your assets and secure your family’s future. Whether you need a simple will, a trust, or a comprehensive plan, we offer virtual legal services for clients across Texas.
Below, you’ll find a selection of in-depth resources to learn how to protect your legacy and make informed decisions about your estate plan.
FAQs About Estate Planning
In this section you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about estate planning.
Retirement and End of Life Care
In this section you, you will find information about aging and end of life care.
The Texas Transfer on Death Deed
The Texas Transfer on Death Deed allows homeowners to name a beneficiary who will inherit their property after they die. These articles explain how it works.
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Lady Bird Deeds vs. Texas Transfer on Death Deeds: Key Differences, Benefits, and Which Is Best for You
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The Texas Transfer on Death Deed
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Can I Revoke A Transfer On Death Deed By Will?
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What Rights to Beneficiaries of Transfer on Death Deeds Have During the Homeowner’s Life?
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Can an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Revoke a Transfer on Death Deed?
Choosing a Guardian
The factor that worries parents most is not what will happen to their stuff if the unthinkable happens…it’s who will take care of their kids. Articles in this section provide guidance on choosing a guardian for your children.
Planning for Special Circumstances
Whether you’re single, married or part of a blended or non-traditional family, you may have questions about how laws about estate planning apply to you. Articles in this section provide information on how to plan for your special circumstances.
Questions About Estate Tax
The estate tax is probably the most hated tax in the country, perhaps because many people believe that everybody who dies will be pay estate taxes. In reality, less than 1% of Americans will ever pay a penny of estate taxes. Articles in this answer questions you may have about the estate tax.
