Looking for ways to secure your assets and ensure they’re passed down according to your wishes? Trusts are among the most effective tools for achieving those goals. By transferring your assets into a trust, you can bypass probate, protect your wealth, and exert more control over how and when your assets are distributed to loved ones.
Probate, the legal process that handles estates after death, affects thousands of Texas families each year, often dragging on for months. When there’s no will, the court distributes assets based on state law, which may not align with the decedent’s wishes. Even with a will, probate can be a public, costly process that’s stressful for grieving families.
With a trust in place, however, you have a way to protect your assets from probate and the challenges that come with it. Working with an experienced trust attorney can help ensure your loved ones have the smoothest possible process. Estate planning lawyer Fred Medina helps clients establish customized trusts that fit their unique goals, reducing the stress of probate while offering invaluable peace of mind.
Trusts may sometimes be associated with the wealthy, but they’re powerful tools for anyone looking to secure their estate. Whether you’re a young family just starting out, a veteran, or a business professional, trusts can help protect what matters most to you.
Estate planning attorney Fred Medina has assisted clients from diverse backgrounds in Bryan and the Brazos Valley—from working families to high-net-worth professionals—offering customized guidance to help safeguard assets and family legacies.
Fred Medina brings an approachable style and local insight as a Bryan-born attorney, rooted in the community and dedicated to providing practical advice. He’s committed to letting you know when a trust might not be the best fit, and he’ll suggest the best tools to meet your needs. With his experience as a trust attorney, Fred Medina offers you both clarity and confidence in your estate planning.
Trusts come in many forms, each with its own unique benefits and potential applications. Fred Medina can help you choose and set up the trust that best meets your specific objectives. Here are some of the most common types of trusts that may be beneficial:
This type of trust allows you to remain flexible with your assets. You can change the terms, add or remove assets, or dissolve the trust entirely as your needs evolve. After your passing, however, this trust becomes fixed, and its terms are carried out exactly as specified. Revocable living trusts are popular because they avoid probate, providing a straightforward, private way to transfer assets to beneficiaries.
With an irrevocable trust, once assets are transferred in, they’re very difficult to remove, and changing the trust terms is often restricted. However, this rigidity offers excellent protection against taxes, creditors, and other claims, making it ideal for individuals seeking strong asset protection.
These trusts are set up to support loved ones who rely on government assistance programs. A special needs trust allows them to benefit from your support without risking disqualification from essential benefits.
Created upon your death, often funded through a pour-over will, a testamentary trust gives you greater control over how your assets are managed and distributed, particularly for minor children or young adult beneficiaries.
If you’re a pet owner, you may want to ensure your furry friends are cared for after your passing. A pet trust allows you to allocate funds and instructions for their continued care.
Attorney Fred Medina offers comprehensive services beyond trust creation, including trust administration and trust litigation, to support you at every stage.
Setting up a trust is only the first step. Trusts must be managed by a trustee, someone you designate to handle the trust’s assets according to your wishes. Fred Medina offers guidance for trustees, ensuring that the trust is managed in full compliance with Texas law and that beneficiaries receive their due. If you need a professional to serve as trustee or as an advisor to your appointed trustee, he is here to provide that support.
Trust disputes can arise if beneficiaries or family members suspect a trustee of mismanagement or if there’s a challenge to the terms of the trust. Fred Medina can represent you in trust litigation to address conflicts and help protect your family’s best interests. With his background in trust litigation, he brings both years of experience and an understanding of the sensitivities involved in family matters.
Life events such as marriage, divorce, or new asset acquisitions may necessitate updates to your trust. If you need to revise or adjust your trust, whether it’s to reflect changes in your life or to accommodate Texas property, Fred Medina can help keep your estate plan up to date.
As your trusted living trust lawyer in Bryan, Texas, Fred Medina brings both dedication and in-depth knowledge to the table, ensuring that you and your loved ones are prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Reach out today to discuss your options—call (979) 300-6771 and schedule a consultation. Planning now can give you peace of mind, knowing that your assets are secured and that your wishes will be honored.
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