Our estate planning work serves a valuable purpose for our clients.   Even with the many changes in the estate tax law in this country, liability for estate taxes remains a concern of many.  Even those for whom estate tax is not a threat, the failure to plan for the distribution of assets at death risks sharing assets with relatives and children of relatives that may not have been among the deceased person's first, or even second or third choice.  For these individuals, we are able to offer counseling about the law and propose the use of a variety of documents and plans to legally direct funds to the individuals you prefer while at the same time, minimizing or even eliminating the effects of estate tax. 

In doing this, we can offer advice on the proper use of

• Simple and complex wills
• Living trusts
• Spousal trusts, including A and B trusts and pour over trusts
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Present gifts of cash and property

Asset Protection

While asset protection at death is certainly important, asset protection during the life of the planner is essential.   We have found that certain occupations, especially physicians, are especially vulnerable to lifetime attacks on their assets.  Physicians are highly-trained, highly-dedicated professionals that are sometimes easy targets for a person's dissatisfaction with the outcome of a medical disease or procedure, even if the result is due to circumstances beyond the physician's control.  As most people know, this reaction by the patient has lead to an increase in malpractice premiums and an inability of many physicians to be able to afford the coverage.  For those physicians without coverage, their personal assets become the target of every patient whose attorney was able to obtain a money judgment against the physician. 

Our work with physicians has helped us develop a unique understanding of the problems facing physicians.  In addition to needing protection from the collection efforts of patients, Mr. Renfro is well-versed in the numerous Medicare regulations that affect their practices and dictate the investments their may have in related health services, such as laboratories and rehabilitation clinics.  We help physicians to understand these regulations and make sound investments toward their future without jeopardizing their current income.

If you live in or around Brownsville or southern Texas and need assistance with forming an estate plan to ensure the assets you've acquired go to the individuals you chose with a minimum of estate tax liability or to learn more about the options available to protect your assets, contact us for an appointment to meet with one of our attorneys.