Herring Law Firm, P.C.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a thoughtful process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes tax burdens, and protects your healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. Our Texas-based law firm provides comprehensive, personalized estate planning services tailored to your unique needs. We assist with drafting wills, setting up trusts, and preparing powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. 

Proper planning not only supports your loved ones and prevents future legal complications, but it also preserves your legacy. With a well-crafted plan in place, you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Wills

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets and property to be distributed after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries who will receive specific assets or property, appoint an executor to manage your estate and carry out your wishes, designate guardians for minor children, if applicable, and include instructions for handling debts and final expenses.

Having a valid, well-written will ensures your wishes are followed and can help prevent confusion, delays, and disputes during the probate process. Without a will, state laws determine how your estate is divided, which might not reflect your preferences.

Trusts

A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the trustee) holds and manages assets on behalf of another person (the beneficiary) according to the terms set by the person who created the trust (the grantor or settlor).

Trusts are commonly used in estate planning to avoid probate, allowing assets to be distributed more quickly and privately, provide ongoing financial support to beneficiaries, such as minor children or individuals with special needs, protect assets from creditors or legal claims, and set conditions for how and when assets are distributed.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to manage important matters on your behalf, if you become unable to do so. This trusted person, known as your agent, can handle financial decisions, legal matters, or even medical care, depending on the type of POA you create.

We help clients prepare the following types of Powers of Attorney: Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Limited Power of Attorney. 

Having the right POA in place ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones aren’t left facing legal obstacles in a time of need.

Healthcare Directive

A health care directive, also known as an advance directive or living will, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you're ever unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself.

Having a health care directive ensures your medical choices are respected and can ease the burden on your family during emotionally difficult times.

Beneficiary Designation

A beneficiary designation is a way to name the person or people who will receive specific assets, such as life insurance, retirement accounts, or bank funds, after your death, without going through probate. These designations are typically made directly on account or policy forms and override what's written in a will or trust. That’s why it’s important to keep them updated, especially after life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Proper beneficiary designations help ensure your assets go to the right people quickly and efficiently.