214-250-4407
a@lawwg.com
"The table showcases real-world financial outcomes, detailing losses prevented and savings achieved for our clients across our history of representing over 10,000 clients."
WITHOUT
OUR SERVICE
$29,800
Guardianship Expenses
$2,089,459
Theft Of Estate Assets
$248,000
Long-Term Care Costs
$23,000
Probate Fees and Expenses
$798,000
Litigation Expenses
63,000
End-of-Life Expenses
WITH
OUR SERVICE
$628,000
Funds Available For Care
$56,000+
Fees & Expenses Saved
$129,000
Medical Bills
$0
Litigation Expenses
Deferred
Tax Savings
$378,000
Inheritance Saved
RON RAMSEY
"My wife and I went to discuss having wills drawn. Mr. Willingham and his staff were more than competent, They were friendly and they treated us with a great deal of respect. We did not have a great deal of money or assets but they spent the time needed to make us feel comfortable. Besides that Mr. Willingham explained the 4 documents that were the most important to us in our situation, gave us very sound advice on protecting the assets we have. It was a great experience. They really understand Elder law and what is important to those of us getting on in years."
CHRISTINE WISEMAN
"I was referred to Willingham Law by my Niece after my brother passed away. I am very happy with the way his will was handled. I had an initial phone "meeting" with Mr. Willingham to interview him prior to choosing him. After speaking with him I scheduled an appointment to begin probate. I met with his staff in the office and she took GREAT care of me, answered any questions I had and kept me informed of the status on the probate schedule. Very professional, yet personable, and I did not feel like 'just another client'"
ELIZABETH HARDWICK
"Taylor and his office are exceptional. I am always treated like family. I know the advice is coming from an expert in the field. I have referred all of my friends and family here and they've all had the same experience. Planning is something everyone needs to be prepared for and they make it painless."
THE ATTORNEY WHO CREATED ONE OF
AMAZON
TOP ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE
GOOD MORNING
TEXAS INTERVIEW
WHAT'S UP
DFW INTERVIEW
Navigating the Estate Planning Process with Your Trusted McKinney, Texas Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring your legacy and assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. At the Willingham Law Firm, PC, we specialize in guiding McKinney, Texas residents through the comprehensive estate planning process. Our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring a seamless transition for you and your loved ones. Here's a closer look at our meticulous estate planning process, which includes Intake, Consultation, Drafting & Research, Review and Sign, and Execution.
Intake: Your Estate Planning Journey Begins
The first step in your estate planning journey is the intake process. During this phase, you'll provide us with critical information about your assets, liabilities, and your wishes for their distribution. This foundational step is essential for crafting an estate plan that truly reflects your desires and objectives.
Consultation: Personalized Guidance
Following the intake, we schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning goals in detail. This personalized session allows us to understand your unique situation and advise you on the best strategies to achieve your objectives. Our McKinney, Texas estate planning attorneys are dedicated to offering expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Drafting & Research: Crafting Your Estate Plan
With a clear understanding of your goals, our attorneys embark on the drafting and research phase. This involves creating the necessary legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, that align with your wishes and comply with Texas law. Our meticulous research ensures that every aspect of your estate plan is considered and addressed.
Review and Sign: Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness
Before finalization, we thoroughly review the drafted documents with you. This step ensures that every detail accurately reflects your wishes and that you fully understand the implications of each document. Your informed consent is paramount, and this review process guarantees that your estate plan is complete and accurate.
Execution: The Critical Step
Execution is often the most overlooked yet crucial phase in the estate planning process. This final step involves not just signing the documents but also implementing the necessary actions to ensure your estate plan is fully operational. Whether it's funding trusts, transferring titles, or updating beneficiaries, execution ensures that your estate plan works as intended. At Willingham Law Firm, PC, we emphasize the importance of execution, providing comprehensive support to ensure no detail is neglected.
Your Trusted Estate Planning Partner in McKinney, Texas
Estate planning is a profound responsibility that requires thoughtful consideration and meticulous attention to detail. At Willingham & Galvan, PC, our commitment to excellence and our deep understanding of Texas estate law make us your ideal partner in this important journey. We ensure that your estate plan is not just drafted but executed flawlessly, offering peace of mind that your legacy will be preserved according to your wishes.
For residents of McKinney, Texas, looking for a trusted estate planning attorney, Willingham Law Firm, PC stands ready to assist. Contact us today to begin the essential process of planning for your future and protecting your loved ones.
This comprehensive approach, especially our focus on the critical execution phase, sets us apart and ensures that your estate planning is not just a document, but a fully realized plan that stands the test of time.
Navigating The Texas Probate Process in McKinney, Texas
At Willingham Law Firm, PC, we provide expert probate services with a personal touch. Located in McKinney, Texas, our team of dedicated probate attorneys is committed to guiding you through the probate process with understanding, professionalism, and expertise. We understand the complexities involved in managing a loved one's estate, and we're here to ensure that everything is handled with care and efficiency.
Navigating Probate with Willingham Law Firm, PC
The probate process can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly and with minimal stress. Here's how we assist you at every stage:
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Gathering Information: The journey through probate begins with collecting all necessary documents, such as the deceased's will, asset details, and information about debts. Our team at Willingham Law Firm, PC, works closely with you to ensure all pertinent information is organized and ready for the next steps.
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Consultation with an Attorney: A personal consultation with our experienced probate attorneys is your next step. We'll discuss the specifics of your situation, answer your questions, and outline a clear plan moving forward. Our aim is to demystify the probate process for you, providing clarity and peace of mind.
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Court Hearing: Filing the necessary petitions and representing you in court is an integral part of our service. We ensure that the will is validated, and an executor or administrator is duly appointed, always advocating for your rights and interests throughout all legal proceedings.
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Estate Administration: This phase involves managing the estate's assets, settling debts, and preparing for distribution to beneficiaries. Our meticulous approach to estate administration ensures that every aspect is handled according to Texas probate laws, with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
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Distribution of the Estate: The final step is distributing the estate's assets to the rightful beneficiaries, as dictated by the will or, in the absence of a will, according to Texas law. We oversee this process to ensure that distribution is fair, efficient, and in alignment with the decedent's wishes or legal guidelines.
Why Willingham Law Firm, PC?
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Local Expertise: Our in-depth knowledge of Texas probate law means your case is in capable hands.
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Personalized Service: We pride ourselves on offering compassionate, personalized service to each of our clients.
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Streamlined Process: We aim for efficiency in all we do, striving to resolve your probate matters quickly and effectively.
Life Stage Trust™
Taylor Willingham, a distinguished elder law and estate planning attorney from McKinney, Texas, has authored five books on estate planning and elder law. His expertise, honed through assisting over 10,000 individuals with their estate plans, often prompts inquiries about his personal approach to family estate planning. In response, Taylor developed the Life Stages Trust for his own family, a trust structured to navigate beneficiaries through life’s various stages. These stages – childhood, development, transformation, responsibility, and retirement – each present distinct challenges and opportunities. Willingham's groundbreaking Life Stage Trust is designed to adeptly manage these transitions, ensuring tailored support and guidance for his descendants at each crucial phase of life.
Childhood Stage
18 and Younger
Estate planning during childhood primarily involves parents ensuring proper guardianship. It's advisable to separate the guardians of a child from those managing the child's funds. Essential considerations include therapy for the child in the event of losing both parents to support their development and protect them from exploitation, abuse, or neglect by the guardian.
Development Stage
19 to 25
This stage, often marked as the 'living home' phase, is crucial for transitioning from childhood to adulthood. A common issue is the 'Peter Pan syndrome,' where an individual struggles to mature. With fewer people attending college, creative thinking becomes vital for development. Inheritances during this period are often quickly lost due to financial exploitation, uncontrolled expenses, and insufficient income.
Transformation Stage
26 to 35
This foundational stage focuses on career development or business start-ups. The trust evolves into an income replacement trust, matching earned income to a specific limit and covering childcare costs, aiding in the beneficiary's growth and familial responsibilities.
Responsibility Stage
36 to 55
During this demanding phase of life, characterized by high expenses and limited free time, the trust is designed to support the beneficiary's preparation for retirement, basic needs, annual family vacations, and activities promoting a healthy lifestyle. The trust intentionally avoids funding luxury or extravagant expenditures.
Retirement Stage
56 and Older
In retirement, the trust's approach becomes less restrictive, focusing on the beneficiary's health, education, maintenance, and support. The aim is to ensure comfortable living in the retirement years, with the trustee managing the finances prudently. Additionally, a provision allows the trustee to allocate 10% to 30% of the beneficiary's assets at the trust's inception for retirement savings, ensuring financial security even if other resources are depleted.
LEGAL UPDATES
PRACTICE
AREAS
ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is a comprehensive process designed to manage and allocate an individual's assets effectively during their lifetime and after death.
REAL ESTATE
Real estate law governs the various aspects of property ownership and transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, zoning, and managing both residential and commercial properties.
ELDER LAW
Elder law is a specialized legal field that addresses the diverse legal needs of aging populations, including estate planning, health care, guardianship, retirement, and social security issues.
PROBATE
Probate law deals with the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, including validating their will, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
ASSET PROTECTION
Asset protection law involves strategies and legal structures designed to safeguard individuals' and businesses' assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and judgments, ensuring long-term financial security.
BUSINESS PLANNING
Business planning involves developing a comprehensive strategy that outlines a company's goals, the methods to achieve them, and the resources required, serving as a roadmap for growth and success.
Contact
7701 Eldorado Pkwy, Ste. 200
McKinney, Texas, 75070
214-250-4407
a@lawwg.com
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