Estate Planning Lawyer in San Antonio

Everyone should have an estate plan, regardless of whether you are single or married, have minor or adult children, or are single with no children. Scheuerman Law Firm crafts personalized strategies to help secure your future.

Hella sitting at table with her hand over the other

Protect Your Legacy with Expert Estate Planning Services

With over 27 years of experience and board certifications in personal injury law, our husband-and-wife team combines extensive legal expertise with a client-centered approach to deliver exceptional results. We provide personalized, bilingual services tailored to your unique needs, addressing even the most complex estate planning challenges with precision and care.

Recognized for our unmatched commitment to excellence and trusted by the San Antonio community, we lead with transparency and integrity. Book a consultation with us today to safeguard your family’s future.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning ensures that assets are properly managed or transferred when you become incapacitated or pass away. Typically, this involves:

Creating a will
Establishing trusts
Deciding who will make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf

A well-thought-out plan helps minimize conflict and ensures your wishes are honored, even when complex or high-value assets are involved.

Certain assets—such as bank accounts or brokerage accounts holding stocks and bonds—are often set up to bypass the probate process through survivorship beneficiary designations. Here, an account owner designates a beneficiary to receive these assets directly upon death.

Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?

An estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected, even if you become unable to manage your affairs or pass away unexpectedly
It helps prevent disputes by clearly outlining how your assets should be handled, who will make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if necessary, and who inherits property or other assets
By providing clear instructions, an estate plan can minimize conflict, eliminate uncertainty, and offer peace of mind for you and your family

When Might I Need an Estate Attorney?

You may consider hiring an estate attorney if you are preparing or revising estate planning documents, such as wills or trusts, or if you encounter a dispute over how someone’s estate is being handled.

One common area of contention arises when beneficiary designations—arrangements meant to simplify asset transfers—are signed under suspicious circumstances. If it can be shown that the account owner lacked the legal capacity to make sound decisions or was unduly influenced, the designation can be invalidated.

Trust litigation also frequently occurs when trustees—whether corporate fiduciaries or individuals—are suspected of abusing or misusing their authority. If trustees breach their fiduciary duties, courts can require them to compensate affected beneficiaries.

In any of these scenarios, an experienced estate attorney can help you protect your interests, resolve conflicts, and ensure that all parties’ rights are respected.

Documents Recognized by Texas Estate Planning Laws

Texas estate planning is governed by specific state statutes and regulations to ensure the orderly distribution of assets and respecting individual wishes. Below is an overview of key documents recognized under Texas law:

Wills

A valid will in Texas must be in writing, signed by the person creating the will (the testator), and witnessed by at least two individuals aged 14 or older
Holographic wills, which are handwritten and unwitnessed, are also recognized if they are entirely in the testator’s handwriting and signed

Trusts

Texas law permits various types of trusts to manage and distribute assets, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts.

Powers of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney appoints someone to manage the individual’s financial and legal affairs if they become incapacitated
A Medical Power of Attorney authorizes a designated person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual

Advance Directives

Texas recognizes a Directive to Physicians and Family (often called a living will), which outlines healthcare preferences if someone cannot communicate.

HIPAA Release

This legal document allows specified individuals to access medical records and discuss care with healthcare providers
Including a HIPAA Release helps ensure trusted family members or friends remain informed and can make decisions if you’re unable to speak for yourself

Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed

A TOD Deed lets property owners name a beneficiary to inherit real estate upon their death, bypassing probate
The owner retains full ownership and control during their lifetime, including the right to sell or mortgage the property
A TOD Deed simplifies the transfer process, helping loved ones avoid unnecessary delays and costs

Why Choose Scheuerman Law Firm for Your Estate & Trust Litigation?

Scheuerman Law offers unmatched experience and client care. Both Tyler and Hella are board-certified in personal injury law, a distinction awarded to fewer than two percent of all attorneys in Texas. Their courtroom experience gives you a decisive advantage when your financial future is at stake.

When you work with us, you can expect personalized, attentive service. As a small, high-powered team, we limit the number of cases we accept—ensuring every client receives focused attention and a tailored strategy. Our attorneys and staff offer services in both English and Spanish, reflecting our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community.

From jury trials to negotiated settlements, our attorneys have demonstrated an impressive track record of favorable outcomes, earning recognition from peers and former clients alike. And because we recognize that estate and trust disputes often involve family conflict, we strive to protect your rights and safeguard the legacy you or your loved one worked hard to build.

Estate Planning FAQ

How often should I update my estate plan?

Can I disinherit someone from my will or trust?

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?

What if I suspect my loved one was coerced into changing their estate plan?

Do I need a new estate plan if I move to another state?

What if multiple family members want to serve as executor or trustee?

How are digital assets handled in an estate plan?

Can I name more than one agent in my power of attorney documents?

How can estate planning benefit single individuals without children?

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or moving states to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

Can I disinherit someone from my will or trust?

Yes, you can explicitly state in your will or trust that you are excluding a specific individual from receiving any assets.

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?

Texas intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your preferences. A will ensures your wishes are followed.

What if I suspect my loved one was coerced into changing their estate plan?

You can contest the estate plan in court by proving undue influence or diminished capacity. A litigation attorney can help guide you through the legal process.

Do I need a new estate plan if I move to another state?

Your documents may still be valid, but state laws differ. It’s best to consult a local attorney to ensure compliance with your new state’s requirements.

What if multiple family members want to serve as executor or trustee?

Disputes can be resolved by appointing co-executors, negotiating terms, or seeking court guidance to determine the most suitable person.

How are digital assets handled in an estate plan?

Include digital assets like emails, online accounts, and cloud-stored photos in your estate plan, with clear instructions on access and management.

Can I name more than one agent in my power of attorney documents?

Yes, but specify whether agents must act jointly or independently, and include a backup plan if one agent becomes unable to serve.

How can estate planning benefit single individuals without children?

Estate planning lets you name friends, charities, or trusted individuals to manage your affairs and inherit your property if you become incapacitated or pass away.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe you have grounds for an estate, probate, or trust dispute—or if you need strong legal counsel to protect your interests—Scheuerman Law Firm is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can pursue justice on your behalf.

Estate Planning Lawyer in San Antonio

Protect Your Legacy with Expert Estate Planning Services

What is Estate Planning?

Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?

When Might I Need an Estate Attorney?

Documents Recognized by Texas Estate Planning Laws

Wills

Trusts

Powers of Attorney

Advance Directives

HIPAA Release

Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed

Why Choose Scheuerman Law Firm for Your Estate & Trust Litigation?

Estate Planning FAQ

How often should I update my estate plan?

Can I disinherit someone from my will or trust?

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?

What if I suspect my loved one was coerced into changing their estate plan?

Do I need a new estate plan if I move to another state?

What if multiple family members want to serve as executor or trustee?

How are digital assets handled in an estate plan?

Can I name more than one agent in my power of attorney documents?

How can estate planning benefit single individuals without children?

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to Discuss Your Case?Schedule a Consultation