Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate

Elder Law

Hammerle Finley advises elderly clients and their families on the special issues that arise in the later years, such as estate planning, end-of-life decision making, and long-term care matters.

Four attorneys in the firm are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. As explained by NAELA:

"Elder law attorneys are holistic lawyers, dealing with the legal and non-legal problems of their clients by using a multi-disciplinary approach. Geriatric care managers, guardians, social workers and other aging network professionals play an important role in this approach. Our goal: that the broad range of needs are addressed in a holistic fashion so that the social, psychological, medical and financial needs are met, not just the legal needs."

Whether the matter involves financial planning to obtain Medicare benefits, spousal care, medical directives, nursing home care, or guardianship, Hammerle Finley will provide advice that is sensitive to needs of elderly to meet the requirements of the law.

Many people avoid proper estate planning because they do not like thinking about death. At Hammerle Finley, we remind our clients that estate planning is about the future of their families. We help clients make and implement plans that carry out our clients' wishes regarding their families and their property. In doing so, we provide them peace of mind and the comfort of knowing that their assets will be preserved for the next generation.

Experienced Estate Planning Lawyers

Estate Planning is generally considered to be the process by which people develop plans that ensure that the assets they have worked so hard to accumulate during their lifetimes are protected and distributed to those they love. Without proper estate planning, the Internal Revenue Service might be able to take a large portion of your assets. Fortunately, it is never too late to write the IRS out of your will. We can help you implement a variety of strategies to minimize taxes and provide for your loved ones.

Our estate planning, probate and elder law services include:

• Wills and Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Medical Powers of Attorney
• Guardianships
• Living Wills
• Life Insurance Trusts
• Family Limited Partnerships
• Living Trusts
• Educational Trusts
• Bypass Trusts
• Business Succession
• Medicaid Planning
• Special Needs Trusts
• Probate Administration
• Pet Trusts
• Will and Trust Disputes

Probate, Estate Administration, and Guardianships

Properly implementing an estate plan is as important as the plan itself.

Our attorneys represent beneficiaries and fiduciaries in Texas probate courts by filing the necessary pleadings to admit a decedent's will to probate, preparing all documents and filings required under Texas laws and procedures, and overseeing preparation of any necessary tax returns.

We assist fiduciaries in all aspects of trust administration including administration and distribution. We counsel fiduciaries regarding the rights and interests of beneficiaries and recommend steps or actions to help the fiduciary to operate the trust in compliance with the appropriate fiduciary laws and to avoid personal liability for their actions or inaction.

Sometimes an adult will become unable to handle his or her own affairs and a guardianship becomes necessary. We have extensive experience in establishing guardianships and helping families through this emotionally difficult process.

Whatever your needs, experience enables us to counsel surviving spouses and children during this transition and help them make sound legal decisions for their future.