The Dallas Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is committed to helping families throughout Dallas County and North Texas create effective estate plans that protect loved ones, simplify probate, and ensure personal wishes are honored. Whether you are planning for retirement, welcoming a new child, growing a business, or preparing for potential medical emergencies, our Dallas probate and estate planning attorneys provide clear, comprehensive guidance at every stage of life.
Estate planning is more than drafting a will—it is about protecting your family, managing your assets, and ensuring your financial and medical decisions are respected. Many Dallas-area clients seek estate planning services during major life transitions such as marriage, homeownership, business formation, or after experiencing the loss of a loved one. No matter your situation, our Dallas Office offers tailored planning strategies designed to reduce uncertainty and minimize future legal burdens.
Why Estate Planning Matters for Texas Probate
A well-crafted estate plan provides critical benefits, including:
- Reducing probate delays and court involvement
- Minimizing legal and administrative costs
- Protecting minor children and vulnerable family members
- Ensuring assets pass to intended beneficiaries
- Preventing disputes among heirs
- Providing clarity during medical or financial emergencies
- Avoiding Texas intestacy laws determining asset distribution
Without an estate plan, Texas law—not you—decides how your property is distributed.
Estate Planning & Will Resources Available Through Our Dallas Office
Last Will & Testament Preparation
A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It directs how property is distributed and who manages your estate. Our Dallas Office assists clients with:
- Drafting legally valid Texas wills
- Naming executors, guardians, and alternates
- Customizing plans for blended families
- Updating wills after major life changes
- Avoiding common drafting errors that lead to probate disputes
A properly prepared will helps ensure a smooth probate process.
Living Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable)
Trusts offer flexibility, control, and often allow families to avoid probate entirely. Our Dallas estate planning attorneys assist with:
- Revocable living trusts for probate avoidance
- Irrevocable trusts for asset protection and long-term planning
- Special needs trusts for disabled beneficiaries
- Instructions for successor trustees
- Protecting assets from creditors or mismanagement
Trust-based planning offers privacy, efficiency, and reduced court oversight.
Powers of Attorney (Financial & Medical)
Powers of attorney allow trusted individuals to make decisions if you become incapacitated. We prepare:
- Durable financial powers of attorney
- Medical powers of attorney
- HIPAA authorizations
- Springing powers of attorney
- Guidance on choosing appropriate agents
Without these documents, families may need court-appointed guardianship.
Advance Directives & Medical Wishes
Advance directives ensure your healthcare wishes are followed. Our Dallas Office assists with:
- Directives to Physicians (Living Wills)
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Medical treatment preferences
- Organ and tissue donation directives
- End-of-life and long-term care planning
These documents provide peace of mind during medical emergencies.
Beneficiary Designations & Non-Probate Transfers
Many assets transfer outside probate if beneficiary designations are correct. We help clients manage:
- Life insurance beneficiaries
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
- Pay-on-death (POD) bank accounts
- Transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds for Texas real estate
- Joint ownership and survivorship agreements
Proper planning ensures assets transfer efficiently and correctly.
Estate Tax & Asset Protection Strategies
Although most Texas estates do not owe federal estate taxes, strategic planning protects wealth and prevents disputes. We assist with:
- Trust-based tax planning strategies
- Gifting strategies
- Asset protection for professionals and business owners
- Business succession planning
- Complex estates involving real estate or closely held businesses
Each plan is tailored to your financial goals and family needs.
Updating & Maintaining Your Estate Plan
Estate plans should evolve as life changes. Our Dallas Office helps clients update plans when:
- A child is born or adopted
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage occurs
- Property is purchased or sold
- Financial circumstances change
- A spouse or beneficiary passes away
Regular updates keep your estate plan enforceable and aligned with your wishes.
