Practice Area

Estate Planning
& Trusts

We design trust-based estate plans that help Texas families avoid probate, preserve assets, and protect what matters — paired with the right ancillary documents from pour-over wills to Medicaid planning.

67%

of Americans have no will

$35K+

avg. probate cost without a trust

6-18 mo

typical probate timeline

WHY WE LEAD WITH TRUSTS

A trust-based plan keeps your estate out of probate court — and your family in control.

For most Texas families with a home, business interest, or out-of-state property, a revocable living trust is the cornerstone document. Wills still play a role (the pour-over will and guardianship designations), but the trust drives the plan. That's why every Continuum Counsel estate package is designed trust-first, with the supporting documents built around it.

A trust-based plan delivers:

  • Probate avoidance + privacy
  • Incapacity protection (no guardianship court)
  • Multi-state property coordination
  • Granular distribution control for beneficiaries
  • Built-in continuity for business owners

Our Services

Estate Planning Solutions

Revocable Living Trusts

Avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure seamless asset transfer with a flexible trust you can modify during your lifetime. The cornerstone of most modern Texas estate plans.

Who: Homeowners, families with moderate+ estates

When: When you want to avoid probate or plan for incapacity

Irrevocable Trusts

Advanced planning structures for asset protection, tax reduction, and Medicaid qualification. Once established, assets are removed from your estate.

Who: High-net-worth individuals, professionals, families with long-term care needs

When: When you need to protect assets from creditors or qualify for Medicaid

Pour-Over Wills

The safety-net document that pairs with your trust — catches any assets you didn't transfer, and is the only document that can name guardians for minor children.

Who: Every adult with a trust-based plan

When: Always. Designed alongside your trust, not as a substitute.

Ancillary Documents

Medical Power of Attorney, Financial Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians, HIPAA Authorization, Declaration of Guardians, and Guardians for Minors.

Who: Everyone 18 and older

When: These should be created alongside your trust

Medicaid Planning

Strategic planning to preserve your family's assets while qualifying for Medicaid long-term care benefits.

Who: Aging adults, families planning for long-term care costs

When: Before a health crisis, or as early as possible during one

Medicaid Trusts

Specialized irrevocable trusts designed to protect assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility for nursing home and long-term care.

Who: Individuals planning for or currently facing long-term care needs

When: At least 5 years before anticipated Medicaid need (look-back period)

Prestige Protection Plan

Keep Your Estate Plan Current

Our annual protection plans include unlimited document updates, legislative monitoring, priority appointments, and annual reviews — so your plan evolves as your life does.

Estate Planning — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions Texas families ask us most often. For your specific situation, schedule a free consultation.

A will is a court-supervised document that takes effect at death and goes through Texas probate. A revocable living trust takes effect immediately, avoids probate for assets titled to it, provides incapacity protection during your lifetime, and keeps your estate distribution private. Most Texas families with $500,000 or more in assets benefit from a revocable living trust as the foundation of their plan.

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