Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts in Dripping Springs, TX

Probate in Texas is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate—real property, financial accounts, and personal belongings—is settled and distributed under court supervision. The probate court authenticates a will (if one exists), oversees the appointment of an executor or administrator, notifies creditors, and ensures debts and taxes are paid before distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. While this may sound straightforward, probate can become a burdensome and costly ordeal without proper planning.

• Probate proceedings can take several months or even years, tying up access to funds and property during a time when families may need immediate support.
• Court filing fees, executor compensation, legal representation, and appraisal costs can erode the value of the estate.
• Because probate is public, details of your estate—including asset values and family disputes—become part of the public record.
• Without clear legal guidance, probate can heighten tensions among heirs, especially when assets are distributed in ways that feel unfair or unexpected.
• If no will or trust exists, Texas intestacy laws take over, potentially placing control of your estate in the hands of the court and assigning your assets in a way that conflicts with your wishes.

Proper estate planning is the most effective way to avoid or streamline probate. A comprehensive plan that includes a revocable living trust, pour-over will, and durable powers of attorney can remove many assets from the probate process altogether, speeding up distributions and reducing legal exposure for your family.

By working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Dripping Springs, you gain the advantage of proactive legal design. Your plan can specify how assets are to be handled, assign fiduciaries, reduce exposure to probate-related delays, and protect vulnerable beneficiaries—such as minor children or those with special needs. Our legal team focuses on minimizing probate’s impact and maximizing privacy and asset protection.

Every estate is different, but all families benefit from avoiding unnecessary complexity during times of loss. If you want to maintain control over your legacy, reduce financial and emotional strain on your loved ones, and keep your affairs private, consult with our team today. We’ll help you create an estate plan that reflects your wishes and shields your family from the most common pitfalls of probate in Texas.

Without a will or trust, Texas law determines who receives your property—and it may not be who you intended. The court could also appoint guardians for your children without your input. Creating an estate plan ensures your assets go to the people you choose and your children are raised by those you trust.

Our process begins with a no-cost consultation to explore your goals. We then collect key data, draft your documents, and guide you through signing. Every plan is customized to your unique family situation, asset structure, and legacy goals.

Review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant asset change. Regular updates ensure your documents remain accurate and enforceable.

A will goes into effect after death and requires probate. A trust becomes effective immediately, avoids probate, and can manage assets during your lifetime. Most comprehensive estate plans include both to provide flexibility, privacy, and clarity.

We offer transparent, flat-rate pricing based on the scope of your plan. No hourly billing, no surprises. Fees include all meetings, document preparation, and support throughout the process.