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13455 Noel Road, Suite 1000, Dallas, TX 75240
Telephone: (972)980-8000
E-Mail: JerryMelton@jerrymelton.com

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Estate Planning and Administration

Estate planning is advisable for most people, especially for families with children. Estate administration occurs often when there has been inadequate estate planning. 

Most Americans haven't made even a simple will, to say nothing of a more comprehensive plan to avoid probate or save on estate taxes.

You cannot plan anything once you have departed or become incapacitated. Estate planning is not for the "then," it is for the "now."  If you wish to avoid or minimize estate taxes, keep your estate in the family, distribute family assets or personal mementos according to your wishes, you must have a plan.  Estate planning is about life, not death. 

Most people need estate plans, and people with large estates, spouses, children (particularly special needs children), are especially in need of such planning. 

Many people believe that the surviving spouse/parent would take all their deceased spouse's property, especially if the children are young. More often than not, this is not the case. In this situation, the law of most states awards one-third to one-half of the decedent's property to the surviving spouse, and the remainder to the children, regardless of age.

Planning for death isn't something that most of us like to think about. But it's something which must be done if you want to make sure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your family is provided for after you're gone.  

If you have questions about these matters, or would like to discuss Estate Planning in detail, please do not hesitate to contact Jerry Melton.

More Information on Estate Planning/Probate Law

• Items to bring to your first Estate Planning meeting with Jerry Melton

• Estate Administration

• Will Preparation

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