Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Texas Estate Planning Attorney

Meeting with an estate planning attorney can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You might not be sure what to expect, what documents to bring, or what you should be asking. But knowing the right estate planning questions to ask can help you feel more confident, better understand the process, and ensure your estate plan truly reflects your wishes.

At Henington Lewis Law Firm PLLC, we believe clarity is key to a successful estate plan. Whether preparing a simple will or a comprehensive legacy plan, having an open conversation with your attorney is one of the best ways to keep important things from being missed.

Below are the top three questions to ask an estate planning attorney in Texas to get the information and legal advice you need to protect your family and future.

1. What Documents Do I Need as Part of My Estate Plan?

This question is one of the best questions to ask an estate planning attorney. A complete estate plan in Texas typically includes several key documents. Each plays a different role in protecting your wishes and minimizing the burden on your loved ones.

• Last will and testament. This document outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and allows you to name an executor and guardians for minor children. Without a will, state law controls who receives your assets, which may divide your estate in a way contrary to your wishes.
• Durable power of attorney. Here, you appoint someone you trust to lawfully manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. It can help prevent court intervention if you cannot make decisions on your own.
• Medical power of attorney. You name a trusted person to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. It’s essential for keeping your medical care aligned with your values and preferences.
• Advance directive (living will). Texas law allows individuals to specify what types of life-sustaining treatment they do or do not want if they’re in a terminal condition. It relieves your family from having to make difficult choices without guidance.
• Revocable living trust (if needed). A trust can help certain families avoid probate, manage complex assets, or provide for minor or disabled beneficiaries. It can also offer more privacy and control.

An experienced Texas estate planning attorney will help you decide which documents are right for your situation and help ensure each one is legally valid and easy for your loved ones to follow.

2. What Do I Need to Bring for You to Plan My Estate?

This practical question shows that you’re ready to take the process seriously and helps make your first meeting productive. Your estate planning attorney should provide a list of documents and information. Here are some of the most essential items to prepare:

• List of assets. Include information about your home, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement funds, investment accounts, and other property.
• Summary of debts. Bring details about mortgages, loans, credit cards, or other financial obligations. Knowing your liabilities helps your plan accurately account for how those debts will be handled.
• Family and contact information. Share names and relationships of family members, beneficiaries, or anyone else involved, like the person you’d want to serve as your executor or guardian.
• Existing estate planning documents. Bring copies if you already have a will, trust, power of attorney, or medical directive. This way, the attorney can review your current plan and identify areas that need updating.
• Personal notes and goals. Write down your main priorities, concerns, or special instructions beforehand so that you’re ready to discuss everything with your attorney.

Being prepared helps your attorney create a plan that reflects your wishes and avoids unnecessary follow-ups or delays. It also gives them the complete picture of your financial and personal priorities so they can recommend the right tools for your situation.

3. What’s the Best Estate Planning Option for Me?

This is one of the most important questions to ask an estate planning attorney. You can ask this after you’ve shared what matters most to you. Before diving into legal tools or strategies, tell your attorney what you want your plan to accomplish. That includes who should receive your property, who you want to be in charge, and how you want your affairs handled.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to estate planning. The right plan—and even how much estate planning costs—depends on your goals, your family, and the types of assets you have. For some people, a simple will is enough. For others, a trust may be more appropriate. However, your attorney can only make those recommendations once they understand your unique circumstances.

That’s why it’s essential to be open and specific. Do you want to leave certain assets to specific people? Exclude anyone from inheriting? Protect a vulnerable family member? Name a guardian for your children? That information helps your attorney design a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your legacy.

At Henington Lewis Law Firm PLLC, we believe thoughtful estate planning starts with listening. Once we understand your goals, we’ll walk you through the options and help you create a plan that truly fits your life.