Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas

Christopher E. Matt, Attorney at Law

The goal of proper estate planning is to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning also enables you appoint trusted agents for medical and financial decisions should you ever become unable to make these decisions on your own. Since 1977, I have assisted clients throughout Nueces County and the Coastal Bend in understanding their estate planning options and creating plans tailored to meet their unique needs.

Peace of mind for you and your family — call 361-884-5215 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Understanding Your Estate Planning Options

It's not only the wealthy or the elderly that need a will. When a person dies without a will (intestate), the State has already decided how the estate will be distributed. However, this is usually a time-consuming and expensive process. The process (dependent administration) will cost significantly more than the process involving a will (independent administration).

The estate planning process is the process by which you protect the people you love. Expressing your wishes clearly in advance avoids disputes and relieves your loved one of the burden of decision making. It makes the process of administering your estate quicker, easier and less costly.

When you work with me, I will assess your individual financial and family circumstances in order to understand your objectives. I will use this information to craft an estate plan that effectively meets your goals. An estate plan typically includes the following documents:

• Will: Directs the distribution of your assets and also allows you to name a guardian for your children in the event that both parents die.
• Statutory durable power of attorney: Designates a trusted agent to make decisions about your financial matters. This authority can be made to continue if you become incapacitated.
• Medical power of attorney: Designates a trusted agent to make medical decisions for you in the event you are not able to do so.
• Directive to physicians: Also known as a living will, this is your set of instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment in the event of terminal illness.
• Declaration of guardianship: Enables you to specify in advance who you want — or do not want — to serve as your guardian if you become incapacitated.

In addition, revocable living trusts can be established to allow you to manage and distribute your assets outside of the probate process. Special needs trusts (supplemental needs trusts) can be created to provide for a disabled child or spouse.

To learn more about my estate planning services, elder law services or alternatives to the probate, call me at 361-884-5215 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation. 

Christopher E. Matt, Attorney at Law
Office address:
5262 S. Staples Street, Suite 300
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Phone: 361-884-5215
Fax: 361-937-8439
Map and Directions

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 181053
Corpus Christi, TX 78480-1503