Estate Planning
Effective estate planning representation requires a blend of legal knowledge and individualized service. Susan Finnell, who is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has many years of experience in developing estate plans which are tax sensitive while remaining consistent with the client’s goals and objectives.
The attorneys with the firm counsel clients with respect to the intricacies of federal estate and gift taxes in order to help them assess and minimize the impact of these taxes during their lifetime and in passing wealth to future generations or charitable beneficiaries.
Representation includes advice and counsel pertaining to:
•Preparation of wills, powers of attorney, medical directives and declarations of guardian
•Initiation of guardianship
•Family limited partnership
•Taxation of estates and trusts
•Creation of lifetime and testamentary trusts
•Creation and operation of charitable trusts and private foundations
In addition, the firm regularly assists clients in the administration of trusts and estates, the probate of wills and the handling of related controversies. Attorneys also provide counsel on income tax issues for trusts and estates, and represent corporate and individual executors and trustees.
The firm’s Estate Planning Section works closely with the firm’s Litigation Section in the handling of complex trust and estate litigation, as well as estate and gift tax litigation.