Frequently Asked Questions

How does the estate planning process work?

First, complete our Right Fit Assessment so we can can determine if we're a good fit for you. If we feel we can serve you, we'll invite you to schedule Your Personal Wills & Trusts Conversation.™ This is a 45-Minute Zoom call where we discuss your family and what's really important to you. We show you some options that we feel would address your wishes and concerns and explain how they work. We also explain the associated fees for those options based on your unique circumstances. If you decide to move forward with one of our plans, your meeting fee is applied toward your plan package.

Next we meet over Zoom one more time to design your plan in detail. This it Your Perfect Plan Meeting.™ It's a paid Design Meeting over Zoom where we'll design your Will or Trust-based plan, choosing "agents" who will serve as Executor, Trustee, Power of Attorney, etc. The $500 fee for this meeting is applied toward the plan of choosing if you engage us within 5 business days following the meeting.

During the Perfect Plan Meeting™ we'll discuss your wishes as they pertain to the distribution of assets, your incapacity, and the care of your children. We'll also choose a date for your Signing Ceremony. After the meeting, we'll send you a Plan Summary for you to review your plan details and approve before document drafting begins.

Once you've approved your plan, we'll draft your documents and send you a pre-recorded video going though your documents so you have a chance to see what you'll be signing. We ask that you view and approve (or request changes) within 3 days of receiving the video.

Then we'll meet you at our office in The Woodlands for your signing! You'll walk away with your original signed documents and a flash drive with scanned copies to send to relevant parties as well as a "Next Steps" checklist.

How much do your estate plans cost?

Our estate plans are comprehensive and provide a wide array of protection and flexibility. We've worked very hard to ensure that we provide only the best quality documents based on up-to-date estate planning strategies and principles.

Unlike a DIY Will from the internet, we spend time with you answering questions and working with you to understand what you want and need. In addition, we are constantly striving to improve the client experience by providing educational resources to help you along way. Each plan we create receives our full attention and reflects the most recent updates based on current law and our experience.

Our pricing reflects the time and dedication we give to the study of this specific practice area, to each plan, and to YOU. We make sure to be available to you and won't leave you hanging.

Our plans range in price from $1,500-$8,500+, depending on the type of plan and your marital status. Some clients need plans that are complex while others may be more straightforward. We offer flat fee pricing because we hate to be nickle-and-dimed and know you do too! We'll never bill you for calling to ask a question or wanting more information.

Regarding pricing, consider if you paid $5000 for an estate plan that you relied on 20 years, that's $20 a month. That $20 is protecting your family against what could be a messy disaster and costly, time-consuming estate adminstration or guardianship.

Remember, an estate plan is an investment in your family, not a cost.

Do I even need an estate plan if I don't really have any assets?

Yes. Even if you haven't amassed a great fortune, an estate plan is still important because it will simplify the probate process (for Will-Based plans), or in the case of a Trust, avoid probate altogether.

The estate administration process can be more time-consuming and expensive when the proper documentation isn't in place. In addition, estate plans aren't just about Wills and Trusts, our plans include important supporting documents that you will rely on during incapacity--powers of attorney, medical directives, and more.

Why would I need and estate plan when I'm still young?

Life can be unpredicatble. Even though it may seem that you have plenty of time to get your affairs in order, you may in fact have less time that you think. Having a plan now will ensure that your children are provided for and will make the process of handling your estate much easier for your family members.

It's also important to remember that serious injury and death can happen to anyone at any age.

Can I make changes to a will or estate plan that I already have?

Yes. A will can be amended by a codicil. However, we usually recommend executing a new will as the formalities required for a codicil are the same as a Will.

How often do I need to update my will and other documents?

You should meet with your estate planning attorney every 3-5 years to review your estate planning documents. Also, your documents should be updated if you are recently divorced, have had a death in the family, or other major changes which may affect the distribution of your assets or your appointed trustees, guardians, or representatives.

Do I need to bring my chosen Trustee or Executor to the Signing Ceremony?

No. You and your spouse (if applicable) are the only people that need to be present to sign your documents. We provide disinterested witnesses for you.

If you wish to share your plan documents with family members, we recommend that you have a family meeting let them know anything about your plan that you feel they should be aware of.