Wills & Trusts Attorney in Lewisville

Estate Planning Rooted in Texas Law, Built for Your Family Since 2007

Estate planning covers more than a single document. A well-built plan coordinates your will, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives into a structure that protects your family now and after you’re gone. At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we’ve been guiding Lewisville families through that process since 2007, building plans around Texas law, Denton County procedures, and each client’s specific circumstances.

Texas community property rules, local probate court timelines, and family-owned property arrangements all shape how an estate plan should be structured. We stay current with legislative changes so your documents reflect current requirements, not outdated assumptions. Whether you’re starting your first plan or revisiting documents after a life change, we bring the local context that makes a real difference.

To speak with our Lewisville wills and trusts attorneys, call us at (972) 460-6798 or contact us online today.

Wills & Trusts: The Core of a Complete Estate Plan

Most estate plans are built on two foundational documents: a Last Will and Testament and, in many cases, a Living Revocable Trust. Each serves a distinct function, and together they give your family a clear path forward without unnecessary court involvement or confusion.

Last Will & Testament

A will names who receives your property, designates guardians for minor children, and appoints an executor to carry out your wishes. In Texas, dying without a valid will means the state’s intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed, which may not reflect your intentions. Every adult, regardless of age or asset level, benefits from having one in place. For a closer look at what goes into a Texas will and how to create or update one, our Last Will & Testament page covers those details specifically.

Living Revocable Trusts

A Living Revocable Trust allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and transfer them to beneficiaries after death, often without going through probate. Because trusts aren’t public records, they offer privacy that a will alone can’t provide. They can also simplify estate administration for families with real estate in multiple counties, blended family situations, or assets that could otherwise trigger a lengthy court process. We work with you to fund and structure a trust that fits your family’s actual needs.

Powers of Attorney for Financial & Medical Decisions

A complete estate plan accounts for incapacity, not just death. Two documents handle that: the Statutory Durable Power of Attorney and the Medical Power of Attorney.

The Statutory Durable Power of Attorney authorizes a person you trust to manage financial matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated, including managing accounts, handling real property transactions, and overseeing investments. The Medical Power of Attorney gives that same trusted person authority over healthcare decisions when you can’t communicate your preferences. The Medical Power of Attorney activates only after a physician certifies in writing that you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. The Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, by contrast, typically takes effect immediately upon signing and notarization, unless you draft it as a “springing” power of attorney that activates only upon a defined triggering event such as incapacity. Until either document is triggered or in effect, you retain full control.

Under the Texas Estates Code, Section 22.016, an “incapacitated” person is defined as a minor; an adult who, because of a physical or mental condition, is substantially unable to provide food, clothing, or shelter for themselves, care for their own physical health, or manage their own financial affairs; or someone who must have a guardian appointed to receive funds due from a governmental source. Understanding that definition matters when deciding who should hold these powers and under what conditions they apply.

Lewisville families with jointly owned land, family-operated businesses, or property arrangements common to Denton County can benefit from powers of attorney tailored to those specific situations. We review these documents regularly with clients, particularly after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or changes in health status.

Advance Directives & Living Wills

A living will, also called an advance directive, states your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate. It gives your doctors and family a clear record of your values and instructions, removing uncertainty at a moment when families are already under stress. In Texas, a properly executed advance directive can help healthcare providers follow your wishes and reduce the risk of family disagreement about your care.

Executor & Trustee Responsibilities in Texas

Every will names an executor and every trust names a trustee. These aren’t honorary roles. In Texas, executors file paperwork with the Denton County probate court, notify beneficiaries, pay outstanding debts, and distribute assets according to your will. Trustees manage trust property over time, following your instructions and complying with Texas trust statutes.

Choosing the right person matters. The role requires organization, availability, and a willingness to handle administrative detail. We walk clients through what each role requires so they can make an informed choice, and we explain the specific Denton County court timelines that affect how quickly an estate can be settled.

Joint Wills & Trusts for Married Couples

Spouses sometimes choose to coordinate their estate plans through a joint will or joint trust. A joint will is a single document signed by both spouses, while a joint trust allows both partners to manage shared assets together and address both estates within one structure. Each approach has advantages depending on the family’s goals, asset mix, and whether stepchildren or separate property are involved. We help couples evaluate which structure fits their situation.

What the Estate Planning Process Looks Like

We begin every estate planning matter by reviewing your assets, family relationships, and goals. That conversation shapes which documents you need and how they should be drafted. Texas community property rules and Denton County probate procedures factor into every recommendation we make.

Once documents are drafted, we walk through each one with you before signing. After your plan is in place, we recommend periodic reviews, particularly after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes to your finances. Life circumstances shift, and your estate plan should reflect where you are now, not where you were when you first drafted it.

We offer remote consultations for clients who can’t meet in person, and we extend significant discounts to military members, first responders, and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Both a Will and a Trust?

Not always, but many clients benefit from both. A will handles assets that aren’t held in a trust, names guardians for minor children, and appoints an executor. A trust can transfer certain assets outside of probate and offer additional privacy. Whether you need one or both depends on the size and complexity of your estate, your family structure, and your goals. We help you make that determination during your initial consultation.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Texas?

Texas intestacy laws govern how your estate is distributed if you die without a valid will, and the results don’t always match what you would have chosen. Community property goes to a surviving spouse in most cases, but separate property may be divided between your spouse and children in ways that surprise families. A will lets you decide rather than leaving that to statute.

Can I Update My Will or Trust After It’s Signed?

Yes. Wills can be updated through a codicil or by drafting a new will that revokes the previous one. Living Revocable Trusts are designed to be amended during your lifetime. We recommend reviewing your documents after any major life event, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in your assets.

What Does It Cost to Create a Will or Trust in Lewisville?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your estate plan and which documents you need. We discuss fees transparently during your consultation so you understand what to expect before any work begins. Military members, first responders, and teachers receive significant discounts.

To speak with our Lewisville wills and trusts attorneys, call us at (972) 460-6798 or contact us online today.