Burnet County Estate and Probate Attorney

We bring two decades of dedicated experience serving the estate planning and probate requirements of families throughout Burnet County and neighboring communities. During this time, the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has successfully represented thousands of clients with a record of favorable outcomes in both simple and complex matters. Our firm has earned recognition within the community for delivering honest legal counsel.

Estate Planning Services

Comprehensive estate planning provides security for your family's future, ensuring that your wishes govern the distribution of assets and personal care decisions. Consider these valuable advantages: 

• Avoids expensive and lengthy probate proceedings.
• Protects minor children through designated guardian appointments.
• Reduces estate tax burdens for beneficiaries.
• Preserves privacy over your financial affairs.
• Prevents family disputes over inheritance.
• Ensures informed healthcare decisions during periods of incapacity.
• Maintains control over when and how assets are distributed.

Without proper planning, state intestacy laws dictate how your property passes to heirs regardless of your preferences. Our Burnet County estate and probate attorney helps you implement strategies that reflect your unique family situation and financial goals.

Drafting Documents

Creating legally enforceable estate planning documents requires precise language and compliance with Texas statutory requirements. We prepare essential instruments, including:

• Last wills and testaments.
• Revocable living trusts.
• Irrevocable trusts for asset protection.
• Financial powers of attorney.
• Medical powers of attorney.
• Healthcare directives and living wills.
• Transfer on death designations.

Each document serves specific purposes within your overall estate plan, working together to protect your interests during life and after death. Our firm ensures all instruments meet current legal standards and accurately reflect your intentions.

Guardianship

Designating guardians for minor children is one of the most important decisions parents make when creating an estate plan. We help you select individuals who share your values and possess the capacity to raise your children, then document these appointments in legally binding instruments that courts will recognize and honor.

Asset Protection

Safeguarding wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and excessive taxation requires the strategic implementation of various legal tools designed to shield property from potential threats. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard employs proven techniques, including:

• Irrevocable Trusts: These instruments remove assets from your taxable estate while protecting property from creditor claims and providing for beneficiaries according to your specifications.
• Limited Liability Entities: Forming corporations, limited partnerships, or limited liability companies separates business assets from personal property, thereby reducing exposure to litigation risks.
• Homestead Exemptions: Our Burnet County estate and probate lawyers ensure proper documentation of homestead designations, which protect primary residences from most creditor claims under Texas law.
• Spousal Transfers: Strategic gifting between spouses maximizes federal estate tax exemptions and shelters assets from potential claims.

Implementing these protections requires careful planning and strict adherence to legal formalities to ensure their effectiveness. Our firm develops comprehensive strategies tailored to your asset profile and individual risk factors.

Probate and Estate Administrative Services

Settling estates through probate involves intricate legal procedures governed by strict statutory requirements and court oversight. Our Burnet County estate and probate lawyer guides executors and administrators through every stage of estate settlement, ensuring compliance with Texas law while protecting assets and expediting distributions to beneficiaries.

Navigating the Probate Process

Texas Estates Code § 309.051 requires executors to file an inventory within ninety days of receiving letters testamentary, unless the court grants an extension for good cause. Our firm ensures all statutory deadlines are met and maintains detailed records that clearly reflect proper fiduciary conduct.

Asset Management

Executors bear responsibility for identifying all estate property, creating detailed inventories, obtaining professional valuations, and managing assets throughout the administration period. We assist personal representatives in locating bank accounts, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, business interests, and personal property, and then help implement appropriate management strategies to preserve value until distribution.

Debt and Tax Resolution

Proper handling of estate obligations protects executors from personal liability while ensuring legitimate creditors receive payment. Our lawyers address financial matters, including:

• Reviewing and validating creditor claims.
• Negotiating debt settlements and payment terms.
• Preparing and filing estate tax returns.
• Resolving income tax obligations.
• Addressing property tax arrearages.

Texas Estates Code § 308.053 establishes procedures for presenting claims against estates that creditors must follow to preserve their rights to payment. Our firm evaluates all claims for validity and negotiates favorable resolutions that protect estate assets while satisfying legitimate obligations.

Document Preparation and Filing

Probate proceedings require numerous court filings, including petitions, orders, notices, inventories, accountings, and distribution documents. We prepare all necessary paperwork with precision and ensure proper filing that complies with local court rules and statutory requirements.

Estate Litigation

Disputes involving will contests, executor misconduct, beneficiary disagreements, or creditor claims sometimes require aggressive courtroom advocacy to protect your rights. The Burnet County estate and probate attorney team at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard approaches litigation with the determination and strategic thinking of seasoned trial advocates prepared to pursue your case through trial when settlement negotiations fail. 

Our willingness to fight vigorously for your interests regularly motivates opposing parties to reach reasonable compromises; however, we never hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to achieve justice.

Asset Distribution

The final distribution of estate property to beneficiaries represents the culmination of the probate administration. It requires careful documentation to release executors from further liability. We prepare distribution plans, transfer deeds, and receipt documentation that properly conclude estate settlements while protecting personal representatives from future claims.