Houston wills, trusts and estates attorney helping you plan and protect your legacy

Whether planning the care or support of loved ones upon your death or wrangling with the probate process while mourning the loss of a loved one, the Law Offices of Jacky B. Franklin can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:

Estate planning

You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. When devising an estate plan, Jacky Franklin considers how best to protect your children, support your loved ones and contribute to the charitable causes that are special to you.

He thoroughly analyzes your estate and strategizes the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes, and protecting your loved ones.

Drafting your last will and testament

A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your will provides you with the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to somebody besides a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, friend or charity. If you die without a will, the court will determine how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet, decisions that might not reflect your desires. Jacky Franklin can draft a valid will that ensures your intentions are honored.

Changing your will

As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. Jacky Franklin drafts valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, numbers of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Trusts

The Law Offices of Jacky B. Franklin helps people create trusts to ensure that their assets are properly managed and held for the future use of their family members or designated beneficiaries. The assets held by a trust can be used to pay for necessary medical, educational and health-related expenses for the trust’s beneficiaries. Because a trust is designed to exist for a certain period of time, the courts require that a trustee is chosen to administer and be responsible for the management of the trust. Trusts may be included in your will or as a separate legal entity. Sometimes trusts are used to avoid the probate process or to minimize estate and income taxes.

Probate disputes

When disputes occur between beneficiaries, we successfully represent your interests. Jacky Franklin has the extensive knowledge to challenge invalid wills or to defend valid wills against the improper assertions of dissatisfied beneficiaries. He negotiates between beneficiaries to preserve relationships or fastidiously pursue your rights in court when necessary.

Appointment of guardians

If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care, especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children, and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your will, including naming a guardian who will take responsibility for your pets. Jacky Franklin can assist you.

Contact estate planning lawyers you can trust at the Law Offices of Jacky B. Franklin

Jacky B. Franklin serves clients in the Houston area. Call the Law Offices of Jacky B. Franklin at 713-581-8237 or contact him online to arrange your free initial consultation.