San Antonio Estate Planning Attorneys
Protecting Your Legacy & Estate
Thinking about the end of your life is never easy, but having a plan in place if something happens to you or you pass away is vital. A comprehensive estate plan enables you to safeguard your legacy and pass on your estate to loved ones, ensuring those who matter to you most receive the care they deserve in your absence.
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, our San Antonio estate planning attorneys will help you develop an estate plan that strategically protects your assets.
Glossary of Estate Planning Terms
Before diving into how estate plans in Texas typically function, it may be useful to understand common estate planning phrases. You should familiarize yourself with the following terms as you progress with your estate plan:
- Decedent: A decedent is a deceased individual, often the owner of an estate.
- Beneficiary: Beneficiaries are individuals named by decedents in a will or trust to receive certain assets post-death.
- Testator: Someone who creates and signs a will (also called “executing” a will).
- Intestate: An intestate is an individual who dies without making a will.
- Heir: Most states have procedures in place for cases involves intestates. Heirs are individuals related to a decedent (often through parental rights or blood) who have a right to estate property under state law. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re guaranteed to receive the property if a will exists and they aren’t named in it.
- Trustor/Grantor/Settlor: This is a person who establishes a trust.
- Trustee: Trustees are named by a trustor/grantor/settlor to handle a trust if they pass away or become incapacitated.
- Personal representative/administrator: This person is either appointed in a will or by a court to help the probate court distribute a decedent’s estate.
- Guardian: A guardian is a person named in a will or appointed by a court to make decisions on behalf of a minor or somebody who lacks the capacity to do so themself.
- Conservator: A conservator manages the estate of a minor or person who lacks capacity, but they may not have the ability to make the same decisions as a guardian concerning their ward’s rights.
What Can a Living Will Do?
Living wills detail what happens to a testator if they become incapacitated or pass away, and their end-of-life wishes. You can utilize a living will to:
- Establish medical power of attorney. You can utilize medical power of attorney to name an individual to look after your end-of-life care and make provisions for your health care if you age or become incapacitated.
- Establish financial power of attorney. You can utilize financial power of attorney to name an individual to manage your estate at the end of your life or if you become incapacitated.
- Set up an advance directive, spelling out your end-of-life wishes (such as whether you would like to be cremated or buried, requests for your funeral, etc.).
Everyone should have a living will. Even if you don’t have property you wish to distribute to beneficiaries, a living will ensures you receive the respect you deserve at the end of your life.
What Can a Last Will & Testament or a Trust Do?
Both trusts and last wills and testaments allow a grantor or testator to distribute their property among beneficiaries. However, they do so in different ways.
Property distributed through a will must go through probate. During probate, the court helps an executor or personal administrator (either named in the will or appointed by the court) distribute a decedent’s property. Probate can be a long, expensive process, particularly if the estate involves valuable property or beneficiaries disagree with the will.
Conversely, property distributed through a trust doesn’t go through probate. As a result, many people choose to distribute complex or valuable property through a trust. The most common type of trust is a living revocable trust, which can be modified throughout a person’s lifetime.
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, we help clients develop comprehensive estate plans that protect their interests and assets. Start today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Answers From Our Experienced Attorneys
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How Can a Sex Crime Defense Attorney Help Me?
A sex crime defense attorney provides critical support, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the allegations
- Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Developing a strong legal defense tailored to your case
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
- Representing you in court and protecting your rights
- Challenging unlawful procedures or evidence collection
- Offering guidance on managing the stigma associated with these charges
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Can I Be Charged with a Sex Crime Based Solely on an Accusation?Yes, someone can face charges based solely on an accusation. However, the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney will investigate the validity of the claims and work to uncover inconsistencies or motives behind the accusation.
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Can a Sex Crime Conviction Be Expunged from My Record in Texas?Unfortunately, most sex crime convictions cannot be expunged or sealed in Texas. However, if the charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may be eligible for expungement. Consulting a sex crime defense attorney is crucial for exploring your options.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Absolutely Hands Down My Best Experience with an Attorney!"
This is a life-changing experience for me and I want to thank Sidney, Megan, Mr. Ritchie, and the entire team for all the help!
- Bryan F. -
"Treats Us Like Family"
Derek is a great attorney! Not only is he knowledgeable and reliable, but he takes care of his clients like they’re his family. Would highly recommend his services!
- Joyce P. -
"Knowledgable and Sympathetic"
Derek was very knowledgeable and sympathetic to my situation. He answered all my questions and I feel much better about the journey I have ahead of me.
- Taylor M. -
"All-Around Amazing!"
They are so excellent and treat you like family. Very professional, efficient, listen to you and they take it from there. Just all-around amazing!
- Jenna B. -
"Lovely to Have Them in my Corner"
If I had to choose just one word to describe my experience with Mr. Ritchie it would be, marvelous. It was a very lovely experience to have had him in my corner.
- Traci M. -
"A Great Experience"
Derek Ritchie is a professional and very reliable attorney. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders once he took on my case. It was a great feeling to know that I had him on my side.
- Diana C. -
"Highly Recommended"
Highly recommended! Very responsive & handled our legal situation in a timely, professional, & caring manner.
- Former Client -
"I Couldn't Have Asked for Better Representation"
The whole firm was very caring and empathetic towards the situation and I couldn’t have asked for better legal representation!
- Former Client -
"They Gave Us Peace and Hope of a Future"
He went above and beyond what we expected. We will forever recommend his law firm. Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Vanessa were so much help they kept us informed... just when we thought we knew all the information they gave us more.
- Former Client