wills and estate planning

Newport & Associates handles Estate Planning matters including wills, trusts, healthcare powers of attorney and durable powers of attorney.  Estate planning determines distribution of an individual's property at his or her death, taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property, and trusts so as to gain maximum benefit of all laws and, at the same time, carrying out the person's wishes.  

A will designates the beneficiaries of a person's estate and guides an executor with regard to how the estate is to be distributed.  Having a lawyer prepare a will can often reduce the amount of costs associated with probate of an estate.  

Trusts are used for several purposes, but most often to provide a holding entity for assets distributed to minor children.

Durable powers of attorney designate an individual that is empowered to make decisions on a person's behalf if the person becomes incapacitated or mentally incompetent.  Health care powers of attorney designate a person to make medical decisions on a person's behalf.  

Our firm can help you determine whether a simple will is all that you need or advise you concerning more complex estate planning.  We provide these legal services in the greater Houston, Texas area.