Serving The People Of San Antonio For More Than 40 Years

Attorney James N. Voeller, Rebecca L. Jaroszewski and Rebekah Meeks Schement

Skilled San Antonio Estate Planning Attorneys

Last updated on May 9, 2025

Estate planning is an essential aspect of managing your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored after your passing. At The Voeller Law Firm, we provide comprehensive estate planning services to help you protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones. This guide will inform you about the importance of estate planning, the various tools available and how our firm can assist you in San Antonio.

Understanding Estate Planning

Estate planning involves the preparation of legal documents and strategies to manage your estate during your lifetime and distribute your assets after death. It ensures your wishes are followed and minimizes potential conflicts among your heirs. Effective estate planning also helps reduce taxes and legal fees, preserving more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

Key Components Of Estate Planning

Wills. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It allows you to name an executor to manage your estate, designate guardians for minor children, and specify how debts and taxes should be paid. At The Voeller Law Firm, we help you draft a clear and legally binding will that reflects your wishes and meets all legal requirements.

Trusts. Trusts are versatile estate planning tools that can help you manage and protect your assets. There are various types of trusts, each serving different purposes:

Revocable living trusts. These allow you to retain control over your assets during your lifetime and specify how they should be distributed after your death.
Irrevocable trusts. These transfer ownership of assets out of your estate, which can help reduce estate taxes and protect assets from creditors.
Special needs trusts. These are designed to provide for a beneficiary with special needs without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
Charitable trusts. These allow you to support a charitable cause while potentially receiving tax benefits.

Our attorneys at The Voeller Law Firm can help you determine the right type of trust for your situation and draft the necessary documents to establish it.

Power of Attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are two main types:

Financial power of attorney. This grants your agent the authority to manage your financial affairs, such as paying bills, managing investments and handling property transactions.
Health care power of attorney. This allows your agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

Having these documents in place ensures that your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you cannot do so yourself.

Advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that outline your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate your wishes. These include:

Living will. This specifies the types of medical treatment you do or do not want if you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.
Do not resuscitate (DNR) order. This instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.

Advance directives ensure your medical care aligns with your values and wishes, reducing the burden on your loved ones to make difficult decisions.

The Estate Planning Process

Initial consultation. The estate planning process begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your goals, assets, family dynamics and any specific concerns you may have. This meeting allows us to understand your unique situation and provide tailored advice on the best estate planning strategies for you.

Document preparation. Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, our attorneys will draft the necessary legal documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives. We ensure these documents are comprehensive and meet all legal requirements.

Review and approval. After drafting the documents, we review them with you to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes. We make any necessary revisions and explain the implications of each document so that you fully understand their impact.

Execution and notarization. The final step is the execution of the documents. You will sign the documents in the presence of a notary public and any required witnesses. This step is crucial to ensure the documents’ legality and enforceability.

Ongoing review and updates. Estate planning is not a one-time event. It is essential to review and update your estate plan periodically, especially after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or the acquisition of substantial assets. Our attorneys at The Voeller Law Firm are available to help you keep your estate plan current and effective.

Benefits Of Estate Planning

Protecting Your Assets. Estate planning helps protect your assets from excessive taxes, legal fees and potential creditors. By using trusts and other legal tools, you can ensure more of your estate is preserved for your beneficiaries.

Providing for Loved Ones. An effective estate plan ensures your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes. This includes designating guardians for minor children, setting up trusts for their education and care, and ensuring your spouse and other dependents are financially secure.

Reducing Family Conflicts. Clear and legally binding estate planning documents help reduce the potential for disputes among family members. By specifying your wishes and designating an executor or trustee, you can minimize misunderstandings and conflicts after your passing.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Followed. Estate planning ensures your wishes are followed regarding the distribution of your assets, your medical care and the management of your affairs if you become incapacitated. This provides peace of mind knowing that your preferences will be respected.

FAQs About Estate Planning

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Texas intestacy laws. This means that the state will determine how your assets are divided, which may not align with your wishes. Having a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your preferences.

Can I change my estate plan?

Yes, you can change your estate plan at any time as long as you are mentally competent. It is essential to review and update your estate plan periodically to ensure it remains current and effective.

How can I minimize estate taxes?

There are various strategies to minimize estate taxes, including the use of trusts, gifting strategies and charitable donations. Our attorneys at The Voeller Law Firm can help you develop a plan to reduce estate taxes and maximize the value of your estate for your beneficiaries.

Why Choose The Voeller Law Firm?

At The Voeller Law Firm, we offer:

Dedicated legal counsel. Our attorneys provide personalized attention to ensure your estate plan meets your specific needs and goals.
Comprehensive support. From the initial consultation to the execution of documents, we provide thorough legal support every step of the way.
Commitment to your interests. We are committed to protecting your interests and ensuring your estate is managed according to your wishes.

Contact The Voeller Law Firm Today

If you need assistance with estate planning in San Antonio, The Voeller Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today – visit our website or call 210-985-2741 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Let us provide the legal support you need to protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones.