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Kalish Law Texas

Divorce, Probate, Business Law- The Woodlands Kalish Law

(281) 363-3700
(281) 363-3700
  • Practice Areas
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    • Divorce
    • Divorcio
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    • Collaborative Divorce
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    • Sio Ramirez Pitre
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You are here: Home / Legal Blog / What Exactly is Estate Planning?

What Exactly is Estate Planning?

May 27, 2021 By Kalish Law Office

What exactly is estate planning? Is it the same thing as making a will? How does a person decide if and when to contact an estate planning attorney?

How does “estate planning” differ from “making a will”?

They are related. Actually “making a will” is one part of estate planning.

Estate planning for an individual or couple can include a lot more than just making a will and should be tailored to the person or family’s specific needs. For some people, a will is all they need, or all they choose to have. Other people need and choose to make a more extensive plan.

Estate planning can include:

  • Deciding how your property is distributed after you die;
  • Making a list of specific bequests for inclusion in your will;
  • Deciding your beneficiary designation on your life insurance;
  • Deciding your beneficiary designation on investment accounts, retirement accounts;
  • Making decisions about “payable on death” bank accounts;
  • Making decisions about cremation and/ or burial;
  • Creating and signing health care documents such as a health care directive;
  • Having a Durable Power of Attorney drafted and signed so that someone can act for you while you are alive if you are unable to do so;
  • Having your will made;
  • Creating trusts, if applicable;
  • If you are a business owner, making a plan for your business in case you are disabled or you die;
  • Making a plan for your minor children, or any person with disabilities that may be dependent on you for care or financial help.

Tailored for each situation and need

People who are at different life stages need different things. For a young couple with children, it is most important to have a valid will. That document should state who would raise the children if both parents were gone.

People who have stepfamilies, own their own businesses, include a person with disabilities, or have other responsibilities may require additional documents.

Senior citizens may be concerned about a Durable Power of Attorney so that they can get help with management of finances. They may also request a more detailed Health Care Directive.

Don’t let it stop you

Just in case you are thinking… “oh no, this is overwhelming!”, let me reassure you. First of all, several things on that list can be accomplished in one document (Last Will and Testament which specifies how to distribute property and also contains a trust and guardianship provisions = one document).

Secondly, an estate planning lawyer already has this broken down into manageable steps to help you get to where you need to be.

Thirdly, some of the items that are considered above don’t require a lot of time and effort to accomplish. (designating beneficiaries on accounts).

It isn’t necessary to put it off

Want to have a will, but not ready to visit the other issues? Just have a will made. If hearing the term “estate planning” makes you think of a large project that you dread, remember that we can help you. If you want only the basics, that is fine.

Need a more complete plan? Want the peace of mind of knowing that it is “all done”? Your attorney can help you check off each concern and make sure that you have a complete plan that covers your situation.

Free consults offered now

We are currently offering free consults via phone or videoconference for our new clients, former clients who are returning, and clients who have other types of cases with us. Just contact us for the details!

Remember, we can help you in English and in Spanish.

“Passionate, Professional and Personal. We Make the Difference.” Kalish Law Office has been serving businesses and families since 1984.

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Filed Under: Legal Blog Tagged With: health care directives, how do I know when I need estate planning, is making a will all I need to do, powers of attorney, Texas wills and trusts, the woodlands estate planning lawyer, What does estate planning mean, what is estate planning, wills and trusts

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3 Grogan’s Park Dr., Ste. 200
The Woodlands, TX 77380

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Kalish Law Texas

3 Grogan's Park Dr.
Ste. 200
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Phone: 281-363-3700

Se habla español

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Kalish Law Office
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Sonnya Spires
Sonnya Spires
13:52 15 Nov 22
Kalish Law Firm handled our estate planning. The whole team is very professional and friendly. Special thanks to Ms Maggie Gonzalez she was so patient and made us feel very comfortable. We would gladly recommend Kalish Law Firm.
Emma Kiper
Emma Kiper
01:37 26 Oct 22
Very happy with Kalish Law Firm redid our will. They listened and explained our options for estate planning would definitely recommend.
John Hardey
John Hardey
20:24 14 Sep 22
Sio and her staff are very professional and experienced. They did an awesome job for me and I highly recommend them.
ana teresa caravante
ana teresa caravante
17:06 29 Aug 22
We were satisfied with the service we received . If you ever need their services we recommend them.
Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin
01:41 26 Feb 22
Here's some background- I'm the father of 2 fantastic kids, who’s mother is in law enforcement. I came to Sio desperate for help to modify my standard custody order in MoCo- seeking more time with my kids, more decision making authority, and the ability to hold my ex accountable to making choices that will benefit our kids and give them everything that they deserve.As a father, nobody believed this was possible. I had friends and family tell me I didn’t stand a chance. I even consulted with a different attorney once who refused my case, claiming fathers only win if there’s abuse or drugs involved. Then I found Sio…From day 1, Sio treated me as a parent- not “just a father”. Though she acknowledged that my case would be a battle, she never doubted what I was fighting for. Sio and her team were understanding and patient throughout this stressful time in my life, and took their time to help me understand the complicated family court processes. In the end, she DELIVERED. I was able to creatively modify my custody order to provide an arrangement that will truly serve my children.If you’re a good father looking to provide a good life for your kids, call Sio
Lovebug13
Lovebug13
02:37 19 Feb 22
Sio was my Lawyer her team amazing. They keep me update on any information about my case . They explained everything to me step by step. my case was successful. In any case make sure have all your documents and facts together.Thanks,Ladies and Kalish Law for all your hard work!
michelle stern
michelle stern
02:47 08 Jan 22
Sio was attentive and very responsive and supportive. I highly recommend her for any family law needs. Excellent service!
michael gordon
michael gordon
20:06 21 Dec 21
Estate planning, Last Will and Testament…Good people, professional and courteous.
Gabby Snyder
Gabby Snyder
13:36 01 Dec 21
Excellent Legal Representation, timely, efficient and very cost effective! Family based firm with strong & experienced staff of attorneys and paralegals. Mrs. Sio Petri has provided 5 star service for any of my legal needs! Our family travels from Beaumont Tx to the Woodlands because we are so impressed with this firm! Highly recommend!
Maria Colindres
Maria Colindres
01:48 01 Dec 21
I have the honor and pleasure to recommend the law firm KALISH LAW OFFICE and its incredible professional legal team. The lawyer SIO RAMIREZ PITRE is an excellent lawyer with an experience, Efficiency, responsibility, honesty and with a great professional approach that advises you at all times and In all aspects in your process, with her incredible and professional paralegal team who are constantly aware of your case in a responsible way, they are very responsible. Thank you MIRNA RAMIREZ, MAGGIE GONZALES, ADILENE RODRIGUEZ, for all your great work and legal advice and thank you Attorney SIO RAMOREZ PITRE for your dedication and commitment which exceeds all the required standards. I am more than grateful, very satisfied with your services ... May God always guide you to help all people that require your great work, it is my pleasure to give my recommendations to this great law firm Kalish Law Office and its team that is very Committed to help everyone.Thank you for all your support ..
Betty Jimenez
Betty Jimenez
22:05 12 Nov 21
Kalish Law Firm has been amazing with my legal needs.Mrs Sio Ramirez Pitre represented me for my divorce.Speacial thanks to Mrs Sio.Their team of lawyers, MR Bob Kalish and Mrs Laura Kalish as well as the entire staff, Paralegal Myrna Ramirez , Addy, and Maggie , all are efficient,,well informed,They always have the best interest in mind, the client and family in legal terms. I strongly recommend their legal skills.They will work hard for you.Thank you so much Kalish Law Firm.
Caitlyn Gambino
Caitlyn Gambino
20:06 12 Jun 21
This office was so professional, friendly, prompt, and detailed. They helped me with my issue and I will definitely contact them again for any future legal needs!
Dr Greg Alex
Dr Greg Alex
15:19 10 Jun 21
Probably the most complete and succinct law mind in the world will be working with you as they have with me. Bob Kalish He’s a consummate professional, and a winner through and through. Achieve your ends with confidence.
Marcy Halterman, D.C.
Marcy Halterman, D.C.
00:15 10 Jun 21
Kalish Law was a big help not only in aiding in the preparation to sell a business, but also with making sure all the dots were crossed for our estate planning needs. They make sure you understand everything and exhibit a true desire to make sure they have taken care of your legal needs. I recommend them highly!
Nancy Poblenz
Nancy Poblenz
22:55 06 Jun 21
Firm handled wills for my husband and me -they were knowledgable and answered all our questions very patiently. Bob Kalish and his team also advised us on need for durable power of attorney and guided us through the process of considering end of life issues such as DNR. Overall, very pleased with the service, the turnaround time for our documents was excellent and they were prepared exactly as we wanted.
L Fisher
L Fisher
00:40 21 Aug 20
I don't recommend Kalish Law to represent you in your divorce hearing. My case was dismissed for numerous reasons. Paperwork not being filed on time, and a missed notary seal. I never once received in a yr and half an invoice. After requesting a refund, her team sent me a bill for almost 8k! DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM! My money was completely wasted. Oh let us not forget my child support was also dismissed as well. AGAIN DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM!
Andrea Lau Luarca
Andrea Lau Luarca
21:22 28 Aug 19
I used Kalish Law Services I believe a year or two ago. Sio, represented me during my child support/visitation with the father of my children that was highly difficult. She discussed all the possibilities and was very explanatory on how the process would go. She was straight forward and to the point. No time wasted. I was very pleased in how my experience went with everything and the great communication sio and her staff had with me. I would use their services again if the opportunity did arise. I do highly recommend them. They are so great.
Steve Horn
Steve Horn
15:10 05 Aug 19
Bob Kalish and his team worked hard to help me with my issues.
Ashley Gonzalez
Ashley Gonzalez
22:13 15 Jun 17
Sio has been representing me for the past year and a half. She has been understanding and has truly gone above and beyond for me and my children. I would highly recommend her for any family court cases you may have going on. Sio is the best when it comes to standing up and defending her clients. Her assistants Ann and Myrna have also been wonderful answering all of my questions and emails right away. Thank you guys so much!
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