Practice Areas

Estate Planning
Texas & North Carolina

Wills, trusts, and incapacity planning to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored. Flat-fee pricing, personalized guidance, and the flexibility to work with you wherever you are.

  • Licensed in Texas
  • Licensed in North Carolina
  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Flat-Fee Pricing
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Estate Planning
Estate Planning

Understanding 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. If you don’t have an estate plan, the North Carolina intestacy laws or Texas intestacy laws will decide who receives those assets.

The laws follow a fixed formula. They do not account for family dynamics, long-term relationships, or personal priorities, and they often produce results that people never intended.

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.

Essential Documents

What your estate plan
may include.

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. It is the foundation of most estate plans.

Revocable Living Trusts

A Revocable Living Trust lets you manage your assets during your lifetime and provides a smoother transfer at death. It can help your family avoid probate for properly titled assets.

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 to seek a court-supervised guardianship.

Health Care Directives

A Medical Power of Attorney names someone to make health care decisions if you are unable to do so. An Advance Directive records your end-of-life treatment preferences.

Special Needs Trusts

A Special Needs Trust provides for a loved one with disabilities while protecting their eligibility for government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. The trust can improve quality of life.

Planning for Business Owners

If you own a business, your estate plan can address management, continuity, and succession. This protects your employees and family while preserving your business's value.

Why It Matters

What a thoughtful estate plan
accomplishes.

Protect Your Family

Name guardians for minor children, ensure your spouse is provided for, and keep your loved ones out of court.

Preserve Your Wishes

Ensure your assets go where you intend, not where state law dictates. Your plan reflects your values and priorities.

Reduce Delays

A well-drafted plan can reduce or eliminate probate, giving your family faster access to the assets they need.

Plan for Incapacity

If illness or injury leaves you unable to manage your affairs, your designated agents can step in without court intervention.

The Process

How It Works

Working with Rania is straightforward and secure. Here’s what to expect from our first conversation to your completed estate plan.

1

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

We start with a free introductory conference by video or phone. I'll learn about your family, your goals, and what you want your estate plan to accomplish.

2

RECEIVE YOUR FLAT-FEE QUOTE

Based on our conversation, I'll recommend the right plan and provide a firm, written fee quote before any work begins. No surprises.

3

REVIEW YOUR DOCUMENTS

I prepare your estate planning documents and share them through a secure client portal. You'll have the opportunity to review everything and ask questions.

4

SIGN AND FINALIZE

Once you're satisfied, I'll walk you through the signing requirements for your state with clear, step-by-step instructions so your documents are properly executed.

Client reviews

What clients say about working with Rania.

Families across Texas and North Carolina trust Rania Combs Law for thoughtful, personalized estate planning and probate guidance.

Dan
A
Outstanding

I retained Rania to draft my complex estate plan, that involved multiple trusts, multiple beneficiaries, and all sorts of intricacies. Rania patiently worked with me over a period of ~2.5 years.

The Woodlands, TX
Kaye
A
Changes in Will

I was nervous during my consultation with Ms. Combs, but she quickly put me at ease. She was very professional, knowledgeable, and patient with all of my questions.

Texas
Pamela
A
Estate Planning

I read an article about estate planning and was led to Rania's article and website. I am so glad I found her. She was thorough, professional, and made the whole process easy.

Texas
Dan
A
Outstanding

I retained Rania to draft my complex estate plan, that involved multiple trusts, multiple beneficiaries, and all sorts of intricacies. Rania patiently worked with me over a period of ~2.5 years.

The Woodlands, TX
Kaye
A
Changes in Will

I was nervous during my consultation with Ms. Combs, but she quickly put me at ease. She was very professional, knowledgeable, and patient with all of my questions.

Texas
Pamela
A
Estate Planning

I read an article about estate planning and was led to Rania's article and website. I am so glad I found her. She was thorough, professional, and made the whole process easy.

Texas
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Common Questions

Estate Planning FAQ

Do I really need an estate plan if I'm young and healthy?

Yes. Accidents and illness don't wait. An estate plan ensures that if something unexpected happens, your wishes are honored, your children are cared for by someone you choose, and your finances are managed by someone you trust. Without one, courts decide these things for you.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect only at death and must go through probate. A revocable living trust becomes effective immediately, allows your estate to transfer to your heirs without probate, and can provide instructions for managing your assets if you become incapacitated. Both documents serve important purposes, and many estate plans include both.

How much does estate planning cost?

Rania Combs Law charges flat fees based on the specific documents and complexity of your plan. You'll receive a written fee quote before any work begins, so there are never any surprises. You can view general fee information on our fees page.

What documents make up a complete estate plan?

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Medical Power of Attorney, and an Advance Directive. Depending on your circumstances, a revocable living trust may also be appropriate. Rania will discuss which documents best suit your needs during your consultation.

What states do you serve?

Rania Combs is licensed to practice law in Texas and North Carolina. She is able to assist clients throughout both states and meets with clients in Houston, Texas by appointment.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named beneficiary or agent. As a general rule, a review every three to five years is a good practice even without major life changes.

Your estate plan starts here.

Schedule a free introductory conference with Rania and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.

Request a Consultation