Guides by topic
What happens next
- Start with people. Identify children, dependents, beneficiaries and the people you trust to make medical or financial decisions. Tell the attorney if anyone relies on public benefits.
- Map the property. Review deeds, ownership agreements and current beneficiary forms alongside any will or trust. For each asset, ask how it would pass and what documents your family would need.
- Put the plan to work. Review drafts, arrange the required signing formalities and assign responsibility for any title or account changes. Give the right people access instructions and revisit them after a move, marriage, divorce or death.
Timing and deadlines
For lifetime planning, ask for separate target dates for the first draft, signing and any transfers. An upcoming surgery, property closing or change in capacity may affect priorities. After a death, court notices and filing dates create a separate calendar.
Costs and payment
Request a written scope identifying the documents, signing appointment, deed work and follow-up included. Ask for separate estimates for transfers, recording fees or later probate work.
How to prepare
- Gather existing plans, recent deeds, beneficiary confirmations and a simple asset-and-debt list. For a first conversation, asset types and approximate values are often enough.
- List the people you would choose to act, their alternates and any family or cross-border considerations. Tell the office if property is in another state or country.
Questions and answers
Where should I start if I mainly own a home and a checking account?
Bring the deed and the bank’s ownership and beneficiary records. The title on a deed, the type of account and its beneficiary designation may lead to different transfer procedures. An account statement alone may omit those terms.
My spouse and I named beneficiaries years ago. Why review them?
Ask each institution who is currently listed, including the alternate. A policy or account may transfer under its own designation, and a new will alone may leave those records unchanged.
Can one relative handle both bills and medical decisions?
A person you trust may be suitable for both roles. Each role needs its own authority. Discuss a financial power, a medical power, the effective dates and a backup for each role.
What if I am calling after a death?
Have the date of death, county of residence, any original will and the titles of urgent notices ready. Explain whether a house is vacant, a bill is overdue or a hearing is already set so counsel can prioritize the first steps.
We live in Texas and own property in Mexico. Which papers should we bring?
List each asset by country, the names on title and the professionals who prepared any existing plans. Bring copies in their original language. Ask which steps require a lawyer licensed where the property is located before signing a transfer or replacing a foreign document.
My child receives disability benefits. How should I describe my goal?
Describe the support you want to provide and identify each benefit program and any existing trust. Bring award notices if available. Ask how a direct gift or beneficiary designation could affect eligibility and whether specialist advice is needed before making changes.
What should my family know once the planning is complete?
Prepare a short locator sheet showing where the originals are stored, who has access and whom to contact. Tell agents about their appointments and review the sheet when you move, change banks or replace a document. Keep passwords and account numbers in secure storage.
Let’s talk about your next step.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talk with Angel’s office about your concerns, upcoming dates and how the team can help.