Please Ensure Your Estate Plan Covers Disability

You do not need a scientific study to confirm the sad reality that nearly everyone will face at least a temporary disability during their lifetime. That includes you, me, a spouse, a sibling, one of your children, or even an elderly parent — anything can happen to any of us at any time, whether it is because of a car accident, illness, or some other calamity. And yet, many families do not have protections in place, such as long-term healthcare and giving someone the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf. 

This is where a carefully crafted estate plan that covers disability and death can protect everyone you love and everything you own.

To learn more, read Leigh's full blog post.

6 Common Reasons People Delay Their Estate Planning

Deep down, you and your family know how important estate planning is. You have talked about it at the dinner table — albeit briefly. You have read a few brochures and blog posts over the years and thought, “We really need to get our act together.” You may have even scheduled a consultation with one of our compassionate lawyers. And yet, you keep delaying your estate planning for another day. 

We understand. We also want you to know that you are not alone. While plenty of people have taken the leap and set up a will or trust, there are just as many and possibly more who have not. And they tend to delay for all the same reasons you are.

To learn more, read Leigh's full blog post.

What Is Probate, and Is It Possible to Avoid It?

When a person dies in Texas with assets in their name, those assets are often subject to probate, an important legal process where their will is validated, heirs are determined, assets are inventoried and appraised, debts are paid, and assets are ultimately distributed. All of this happens under a judge’s supervision, but most people prefer to avoid it because of its complex, drawn-out, costly, and emotional nature. Naturally, many families desperately want to know, “Can probate be avoided?”

This is a fair question. After all, the probate process can be a complex puzzle with a million pieces that must be expertly managed to ensure everything fits exactly where it is supposed to. And for some estates, getting to the finish line is easier said than done.

For some estates, the Texas probate process can take 6-12 months if everything is in order. 

For others, it can take several years.

To learn more, read more on the blog.

Elder Law and Estate Planning — What’s the Difference?

When clients and their families come to us for the first time, they understandably have plenty of questions — not just about ensuring their wishes are known and families protected but also about legal terms they simply are not used to. For example, what is the difference between elder law and estate planning? It is easy for someone who is new to our world of strategically putting affairs in order, letting wishes be known, and planning for the future to assume these two practice areas are one and the same. 

While there is indeed a bit of overlap, there are distinct differences between elder law and estate planning that you should be aware of.

To learn more, read more on the blog.

Call Leigh Hilton PLLC today!!

Do you have questions about guardianship and whether or not it is right for you or a loved one? Having a competent estate planner in your corner will help you and your family navigate the often overwhelming waters that come with protecting everything you own and everyone you love. That is our job, and we would like to think we do it better than anyone else. Please call Leigh Hilton PLLC so that we can help ensure you and your family are taken care of in the best way possible.



Leigh Hilton PLLC wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning need. We look forward to serving you

Thank You for Your Referrals

Chris Baca

Michael Bradshaw

Chuck Berezerich

Becky Perkins

Steve Gamel

Jessica Kemp

Trudy Turner

Owen Simpson

Kathy Meyer

ATTORNEY LEIGH HILTON



Leigh Hilton has helped over 6,000 families protect the assets that they leave to loved ones from divorce, creditors, lawsuits and predators. She has over 26 years of legal experience in the practice areas of Estate Planning and Probate. Whether your estate is large or small, simple or complex, Leigh would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your estate planning needs. Leigh Hilton PLLC wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning need. We look forward to serving you.