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Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Probate Attorney

We Understand Estate Planning

Wills

A will is one of the most important documents you’ll create in your lifetime. A will establishes your wishes for your possessions after you pass. A person who dies without a will opens up their estate to the arbitrary mechanism of Texas courts to allocate your possessions. 

Trusts

A trust is an alternative way to pass your assets to your loved ones. Trusts are beneficial because they avoid probate. With a trust, your assets are passed quicker as they avoid court procedures while also avoiding court/legal fees making it easier on your loved ones.

Probate

Probate is a court-supervised procedure for administering a deceased person’s estate. The probate process involves authenticating a will, paying off debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Without a will, Texas court follows intestacy laws to distribute assets & property. 

We make Estate Planning Convenient and Easy

Interested in creating a will or living trust, but afraid of the process?

We'll help you every step of the way to give you the peace of mind knowing you will finally have your affairs in order.

How is Ana different than other Estate Planning Attorneys?

5-star Service

Ana learned that clients want an attorney who has enough time to take their calls and answer their questions. Her abundance of 5-star reviews demonstrate how eager she is to ensure you are happy with her services. Ana goes above and beyond to make the Estate Planning experience as painless as possible.

Estate Planning Only

Ana only focuses on Estate Planning and is a probate attorney who takes uncontested cases. This allows Ana to keep up-to-date with the latest laws while allowing her to set aside enough time for each client. You will get equal attention and expertise from Ana no matter what you came to her for. 

Fixed Rate Pricing

Ana is abandoning the traditional “hourly” model in Estate Planning and instead provides extended time for each client so you don’t feel rushed. Need an extra hour for her to explain what a living trust is? No worries. The cost will be the same as you see on the pricing page

Free Will Review

Are you unsure about your current estate planning? No problem. Ana will review your current estate planning and go over it with you to make sure it complies with your wishes.    

We represent clients in the following probate courts

Dallas Probate Court

Collin Probate Court

Rockwall Probate Court

Kaufman Probate Court

Meet the Lawyer

Attorney Ana Pace

At heart, Ana thrives on bringing about victory for her clients. She cherishes every minute spent digging into the complexities of each probate case, discovering tidbits of information that were initially overlooked, grappling with unpredictable questions, and most rewardingly, hearing a relieved client express, “Thank you, Ana.”

Commonly Asked Questions

Why do I need a will?

Establishing a Will is the cornerstone of estate planning, serving as your asset distribution blueprint. However, at the Law Office of Ana M. Pace, we understand that there’s much more to estate planning than just drafting a Will. We offer expert guidance in wills, trusts, and probate services, ensuring your legacy is preserved and passed on with minimal hassle and cost to your family.

 

We are recognized as the one of the leading estate planning attorneys in Richardson, Texas, providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your family’s unique needs. With a focus on trusts, wills, and probate, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of estate planning. We patiently listen to your concerns, guide you through the best-suited options, and answer any follow-up questions you might have.

 

If you’ve worked hard to amass wealth throughout your life, it’s paramount to invest in estate planning to ensure your assets end up in the right hands. Our estate planning services, including wills, trusts, and probate, are designed to safeguard your assets and make the transition smooth and cost-effective for your family. Trust the Law Office of Ana M. Pace to go the extra mile in ensuring your estate planning goals are met.

Do I also need a trust?

Trusts are legal arrangements that enable a third party, or trustee, to hold and manage assets on behalf of a beneficiary. They are a key component of comprehensive estate planning. The most commonly utilized type in estate planning is the revocable living trust, which can circumvent the probate process and pass assets directly to beneficiaries in a private manner. While these trusts offer limited tax benefits, with assets typically considered taxable to the grantor’s estate, they are an excellent tool for organizing non-taxable estates.

 

On the other hand, irrevocable trusts can significantly reduce an estate’s tax liability and protect assets from creditors. However, there are restrictions: you can’t serve as your own trustee, and the terms of these trusts cannot be revoked or altered. Another form of irrevocable trust gaining popularity is the Special Needs Trust, which can supplement the lifestyle of a person with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.

 

While Ana’s expertise lies in revocable trusts, wills, and probate, she does not handle irrevocable or Special Needs Trusts. Nonetheless, she can leverage her professional network to connect you with a reputable attorney specializing in these areas. By turning to the Law Office of Ana M. Pace for estate planning services in Richardson, Texas, you are ensuring a holistic approach to your estate planning needs.

What else may I need for my estate planning?

A well-rounded estate plan goes beyond just asset distribution. It also encompasses provisions for asset management and medical care during your lifetime. This often involves assigning specific powers to individuals through two main types of power of attorney: a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney.

 

Another critical document is an “advance health directive” or a “living Will,” which outlines your preferences for end-of-life care, including under what circumstances you’d want your family to allow a natural death or to continue treatment in a terminal condition. A directive to physician can greatly ease the emotional burden associated with making difficult decisions regarding treatment discontinuation.

 

At the Law Office of Ana M. Pace, our estate planning services in Richardson, Texas, we ensure all aspects of your estate plan are thoroughly considered and crafted to reflect your specific needs and wishes. Whether it’s managing beneficiary designations, preparing for incapacity, or articulating end-of-life wishes, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process.

Can your estate planning attorney help with testamentary trusts?

Yes, Ana is well-versed in the formation of testamentary trusts. A testamentary trust is a type of trust created by your will after you pass away, and it can be an effective tool for managing your assets.

What is a pour over will and how does it work with my trust?

A pour over will is a special type of last will and testament that directs any assets not specifically included in your trust to be “poured over” into your trust upon your death. This ensures all of your assets will ultimately be distributed according to the terms of the trust.

What are letters of testamentary?

A letter of testamentary is a legal document issued by a probate court that provides an executor the legal authority to manage a deceased person’s estate. Ana can guide executors through the process of obtaining this letter.

What is a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to manage their financial, legal, and/or healthcare matters in the event they become unable to do so themselves. The scope, duration, and responsibilities can be specifically tailored to the principal’s needs. Types of POA include general power of attorney, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, among others. Each type grants different levels of authority to the agent and serves different purposes. 

What is a medical power of attorney and do I need one?

A medical power of attorney is a document that allows you to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf in case you become incapacitated. This is a critical part of estate planning, ensuring your medical wishes are respected no matter what happens.

Ready to start your estate plan? Need to speak a probate attorney?

Start Your Estate Planning Today!

Secure your family’s future with a free consultation by scheduling an online appointment from the convenience of your own home.