Houston Estate Planning Attorney Whitney L. Thompson Explains Estate Planning for a Surviving Spouse
Oct 12, 2022
October 12, 2022 - /PressAdvantage/ - Houston estate planning attorney Whitney L. Thompson (https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/plan-an-estate-for-your-surviving-spouse/) releases a new article explaining how estate planning works for a surviving spouse. The lawyer mentions that for a surviving spouse, it is important to understand that there are important and timely decisions they need to make regarding their estate plan. It is important that the surviving spouse does not assume that the estate plan is already updated following the death of their spouse.
“Your first line of defense to avert problems is scheduling a meeting with your Houston estate planning lawyer to review the decedent and your estate in its entirety. It is not uncommon to discover assets you are unaware of, which allows for planning opportunities to transfer tax-free wealth. With the loss of a spouse’s income, uncovering these sorts of assets may also secure a widow or widower’s finances,” the Houston estate planning attorney says.
The lawyer mentions that having an estate planning lawyer can also help with decision-making deadlines related to the client’s situation. There are a few other tools that a surviving spouse may use. One instance is when a spouse opts to disclaim interest in some of the decedent’s assets in favor of transferring them to other beneficiaries. However, this situation must occur within nine months of the decedent’s date of death.
Attorney Whitney L. Thompson explains that a surviving spouse may also need to make a portability election to maximize the amount transferred estate tax-free to the next generation. There are also timelines to meet with the probate court if the decedent does not have a revocable trust.
In the article, attorney Thompson adds, “After a spouse’s passing, much of the attention of legal services focus on administering the decedent’s estate, yet so often, allotting time to develop plans to meet the legal needs of the surviving spouse is often overlooked. Both the decedents and surviving spouses will require review. There are circumstances when wills and trust configurations permit a surviving spouse a “second look” to see if the decedent’s estate plan is still a proper fit for the spouse.”
Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled attorney when dealing with matters involving estate planning. Having an experienced estate attorney may be able to help an individual understand their rights and help them prepare for the future of their loved ones.
About The Law Office of Whitney Thompson, PLLC
Attorney Whitney Thompson is an experienced family law attorney who helps clients deal with family law matters such as divorce or legal separation. Attorney Thompson also deals with guardianship, probate, and estate planning matters. As an experienced divorce lawyer, attorney Thompson and her legal team have helped families have a smoother divorce process and plan for their future more thoroughly. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 214-0173.
The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 320, Box #116B, Houston, TX 77068, United States
(281) 214-0173
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For more information about The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, contact the company here:
The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
Whitney L. Thompson
+12812140173
[email protected]
The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 320, Box #116B, Houston, TX 77068, United States
ReleaseID: 60055401
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