The Importance of Making an Estate Plan

 Posted on July 21, 2025 in Estate Planning and Probate

It is fair to say that most people do not look forward to estate planning. It can be a heavy subject to come to grips with as you get older, and feelings of unease are natural. However, taking the effort to make a plan for your estate can provide you with long-term comfort and certainty. For that reason, working with a San Antonio, TX estate planning attorney is highly advisable.

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law is here to guide you through the sensitive process of estate planning, taking the time to understand your priorities and goals. Our firm can help look out for your own interests, as well as your beneficiaries’, with strong counsel.

Why You Need to Set Up an Advance Medical Directive

If you fall ill and become unable to communicate your wishes, the responsibility may fall to the people around you to interpret how you should be treated. However, with careful estate planning, you can dictate your exact wishes if you become incapacitated. The purpose of an advance medical directive is to clarify your preferences to doctors if you cannot speak for yourself. It is also a legally binding document, meaning that it must be respected. 

Advance medical directives often include end-of-life instructions, like whether or not you want your life to be extended through medical technology. You can also decide if you want to receive palliative care at a hospice center or at home. Writing an advance medical directive can also make your wishes clear to your loved ones, avoiding needless arguments.

The Benefits of Protecting Your Beneficiaries in a Will

Writing a clear will is critical for making sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you pass on without a will in Texas, your assets will be automatically distributed according to intestate succession, with no way to guarantee that the distribution will follow what you want. 

Drafting a last will and testament can allow you to give your property to specific people. Additionally, you can name guardians for any children or pets in your care. However, a will may not be recognized in court unless certain steps are taken. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law can help you create a legal will that reflects your wishes.

Set Up a Power of Attorney so Your Wishes Are Always Respected

When you become incapacitated, someone will have to manage your affairs and make decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney, or POA, allows you to name somebody you trust to make those important decisions for you. With a POA, you can name someone to make medical decisions, handle your finances, or both.

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law can assist with establishing powers of attorney for your estate. Our firm can prepare the necessary documents on your behalf and help you decide how much control you want to give to the person(s) named in your POA.

Contact a Comal County, TX Estate Planning Attorney

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law is here to help you create a thorough estate plan that aligns with your goals. With over a decade of legal experience, Attorney Geoff Mayfield is qualified to attend to your needs. To set up a free initial consultation with a San Antonio, TX wills and trusts attorney, call our offices at 210-535-0870 today.