Protecting Your Assets and Your Loved Ones in Texas Probate

When you pass away, the people you leave behind will have much to deal with. If you do not leave a written will, they may be faced with an expensive administration of your estate with a judge deciding how to divide your estate. By creating a valid will you can save them the frustration of sorting out your estate in the midst of their grief. In probating wills for my clients, there are several considerations to address. Who will inherit your estate? Who will be the guardians of your minor children? What will happen to your real estate or your bank accounts? How will your family move forward if your assets are locked in probate? People that do not provide for these contingencies before their death leave a major problem for those they leave behind.

I, Michael L. Holland, Attorney at Law, have more than 20 years of experience helping my clients take care of these types of legal matters. I will work with you to draft a will that outlines your wishes and assist your loved ones during the probate process when that day arrives. I also probate wills in the probate court for those loved ones left behind.

Call 713-893-1800 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my Houston office.

Now Is the Time to Create Your Will

At least once a week I hear someone say "I'll make a will next month." But as one month leads into the next, they never make the time to create this important document. All of us hope that we will have some warning before we pass away and will be able to dash to the attorney's office to make the arrangements, but the reality is that none of us know what the future holds and when our time is up. Most people assume they will grow old and die of natural causes at an advanced age. However, the reality of the situation is that many people die prematurely as the result of any number of reasons.

By having a will prepared you are taking the opportunity for reflective asset protection before and after your death.

Putting together a will or a physician's directive or a living will or powers of attorney are not as time-consuming and expensive as you might expect. Now is the time to protect the people you love and make your wishes known.

• Do you want to be kept alive on life support if you are just being kept alive by machines?
• If you were unable to make medical decisions for yourself, wouldn't it be good if you had already designated someone that loves you to make those decisions in your best interests according to your wishes?

Personalized Estate Planning

Making a will is a very personal matter. As your lawyer, I will work directly with you every step of the way to make sure that your wishes are followed. To see that your children are provided for and the documents provide for your wishes in such a manner that they will be legally carried out.

Together, we will draft a will that addresses everything. We will name your "executor" (the person who will be responsible for administering your will) and decide who will receive your estate. If you own property at the time of your death, your will can give the executor the ability to sell the home if necessary (or transfer title to your beneficiaries). Your will can also give the necessary people access to your bank accounts. Your will can also name the guardians for your minor children and provide trusts for those children. We can also make special provisions in your will for special bequests in order to give specific momentos to those friends or distant relatives to let them know how you felt about them.

You may have a situation where a loved one has already passed away and left no will. There are other ways of dealing with these situations such as a Small Estate Affidavit, Determination of Hiership, Independent Administration or a Muniment of Title.

I also handle guardianship matters. Perhaps you have an elderly relative that is not capable of handling their affairs. I can help you to be named guardian over someone you love that needs help.

My clients appreciate my hands-on, personalized approach to estate planning and probate. Although it may sound trite, I care about my clients, their families and their long- range goals. I pride myself on placing my client's priorities first. At my law offices, you will talk with your attorney - me - not support staff or associates. I listen to your concerns and I personally draft your will and other supporting documents.

Call 713-893-1800 or contact me online. If you have a simple question, I will be happy to answer it at no charge. If you need me to help you create a will or help with a probate matter, I will schedule a free initial consultation with you to begin the process.

Credit cards, Checks and Cash accepted.