In a city as vibrant and fast-moving as Austin, it’s easy to put off thinking about the future. But no matter your stage in life, starting a family, launching a business, or retiring, having a plan to protect your assets gives you clarity and control. With the help of an estate planning lawyer Austin residents can trust, you can make informed choices that protect your loved ones, preserve your values, and bring lasting security.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we provide thoughtful, personalized estate planning for Austinites who want to safeguard what matters most—family, property, and peace of mind.
What Is Estate Planning, and Why Does It Matter?
Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly. It’s for everyone. It is a way to make your voice heard and have your wishes followed, during your life and after. It allows you to:
- Decide who receives your assets;
- Appoint someone to make financial or healthcare decisions if you’re unable to; and
- Protect your family from legal confusion, delays, or disputes.
Your estate includes everything you own, such as your home, retirement accounts, business, car, and personal items like furniture or art. A well-crafted estate plan lets you decide exactly how to distribute your assets.
Without a plan, Texas law takes over, and it is not likely to follow your wishes.
What Does an Estate Plan Include?
A complete estate plan uses several legal tools to reflect your priorities. A skilled Austin estate planning lawyer can explain which documents you need based on your life, family, and goals.
Last Will and Testament
A will establishes how you want your assets distributed after your death. You can also use it to:
- Appoint a guardian for minor children,
- Name an executor to carry out your wishes, and
- Specify gifts or donations to people or organizations.
In Texas, wills must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. Working with an estate planning lawyer helps ensure you meet those requirements.
Living Trust
A trust allows you to transfer assets to a trustee who manages them for beneficiaries. Trusts can help:
- Avoid probate court,
- Keep your affairs private,
- Provide ongoing support for minors or dependents, and
- Protect assets from creditors or lawsuits.
Depending on your goals, your attorney may recommend a revocable, irrevocable, or special needs trust.
Powers of Attorney
Life is unpredictable. Powers of attorney allow someone you trust to step in and make decisions for you if needed. There are two types of powers of attorney:
- Durable power of attorney—gives your chosen agent authority over financial matters; and
- Medical power of attorney—lets someone make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Appointing these agents now allows them to make timely decisions for you without court involvement if you become incapacitated.
Advance Directive (Living Will)
This document outlines what kind of medical care you want or don’t want if you face a serious illness or injury. It helps ensure your healthcare team and loved ones honor your choices.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization
Federal and Texas laws protect the privacy of your medical records and health information. A HIPAA release allows those you trust to speak with your doctors and access information they may need to make informed decisions.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Plan?
Dying without an estate plan can create stress and confusion for your family. Texas’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your estate, which may not match your wishes.
For example:
- A longtime partner may be entirely left out if you aren’t married,
- Children from a previous relationship may not receive what you intended,
- Your estate could face a drawn-out probate process with high legal costs.
Likewise, without a medical power of attorney or living will, someone you wouldn’t have chosen, or the courts, can make critical decisions about your healthcare. Having a plan in place keeps those decisions in your control.
When Should You Create or Update an Estate Plan?
It’s never too early to start planning, and it’s not something you only do once. Your estate plan should evolve with your life changes. You should review and update your plan every few years or after significant life events such as:
- Marriage or divorce,
- Birth or adoption of a child,
- A loved one’s death,
- Moving states,
- Buying or selling property, or
- Significant changes in health or wealth.
An estate planning lawyer can help keep your documents accurate, relevant, and enforceable.
How an Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we take time to understand your goals—not just your assets. Estate planning should reflect who you are, what you value, and what you want for the people you care about most.
Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer means more than filling out forms. We help you:
- Understand Texas probate and estate laws;
- Draft custom wills, trusts, and other legal documents;
- Choose the right strategies to protect your assets;
- Reduce tax burdens where possible; and
- Create a long-term plan that grows with you.
Whether preparing for the future or updating your current plan, we’ll walk you through each step with clear guidance and compassionate service.
Why Choose The Zimmerman Law Firm?
With over 60 years of service in central Texas, The Zimmerman Law Firm has earned a reputation for trust, care, and results. Our attorneys have deep roots in the Austin community and bring local insight to every estate plan we create.
We believe in long-term partnerships, offering ongoing support as your needs evolve. We provide guidance throughout the estate lifecycle, from initial planning to asset protection, trust administration, and legacy planning.
Clients turn to us for tailored legal strategies, clear and approachable service, and up-to-date knowledge of Texas estate law. We treat every client like family because planning for yours is our priority.
Take Control of Tomorrow—Today
Creating an estate plan may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With guidance from a trusted estate lawyer at The Zimmerman Law Firm, you can make informed decisions now that protect your loved ones later.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you build an estate plan that reflects your values and protects what matters most.
Where You Can Find Our Austin, Texas Office
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to serving clients in Austin, The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., proudly represents clients across Texas, including Waco, Killeen, Round Rock, Temple, Belton, San Antonio, Bryan-College Station, and Dallas.
In addition to estate planning cases, our experienced team also handles other personal injury cases in Austin. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, explore our other services: