San Antonio Estate Planning Attorney

Last updated on September 25, 2026

Estate planning is a critical issue that far too many people neglect in Texas. Regardless of the size of the estate, every adult should have at least a valid will in place. When a person dies intestate (without a will), their family must try to administer the estate and make essential decisions without truly knowing the decedent’s wishes.

At the Law Office of Jon R. Disrud, our attorney has the experience needed to assist the San Antonio community and its surrounding areas with all aspects of estate planning, including high net worth estates with complex assets as well as those needing asset protection. Our lawyer, Jon R. Disrud, can also provide Texas estate planning services, such as drafting wills and trusts and handling probate litigation. Call our office at 210-569-0581 to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio estate planning attorney. Your initial consultation is free.

Estate Planning Services Offered At Our San Antonio Firm

Everyone’s needs are different, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney to determine which estate planning tools are right for you. They include the following:

• Wills
• Powers of attorney for finances/assets and health care wishes
• Advance directives for end-of-life care
• Various types of trusts
• Special needs trust planning
• Business succession planning

In addition, if you have lost a loved one, then you may need an estate law attorney to help you with the following key processes:

• Administration of a loved one’s estate
• Probate
• Disputes over a will

After discussing your estate planning goals, assets and future health care needs, our lawyer will recommend an estate plan customized to your specific circumstances.

Why Estate Planning Is Important For San Antonio Residents

Estate planning in Texas is not just for the wealthy. It is a must-have financial and legal tool for anyone who wants to accomplish the following:

• Protect minor children
• Provide for family members with special needs
• Preserve family wealth and provide financial security
• Support charitable causes
• Avoid family conflicts and legal battles over inheritance

Our San Antonio estate attorney stays current with Texas laws to provide our clients with effective strategies.

The Benefits Of Professional Estate Planning

Professional estate planning can make a big difference for you and your loved ones. Legally binding plans tailored to your needs can distribute your assets according to your wishes. A professional can provide impartial guidance to survivors and also help minimize taxes and legal fees caused by disputes. If you are a parent of minors, estate planning will allow you to appoint a guardian for your children, ensuring that they will be cared for by someone you trust in the event that you are unable to care for them yourself. Our lawyer can also set up trusts to manage your assets more effectively or provide for loved ones with special needs.

The Estate Planning Process At The Law Office of Jon R. Disrud

A personalized approach to estate planning tailors the process to your unique needs and circumstances. The step-by-step process works as follows:

• Initial consultation: Attorney Disrud will listen to your goals and concerns to understand your specific situation.
• Comprehensive asset review: This takes stock of all your property and financial interests.
• Personalized plan: Armed with this personalized insight, our lawyer can prepare documents that accurately reflect your wishes, such as wills and trusts.
• The execution: These documents will be binding because our lawyer will draft them precisely, ensuring that every detail aligns with your intentions. This thorough, customized process will provide you with peace of mind and security.

Update Your Estate Plan Regularly

Our attorney recommends regularly reviewing your estate plan to ensure that it aligns with your current life circumstances and wishes. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or changes in financial status can affect your plan. Additionally, laws and regulations can change, impacting your estate.

Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions

Estate planning can raise many questions, especially if you have never done it before. Here are answers to some of the most common ones attorney Disrud hears from our clients.

What should I include in my will or estate plan?

The short answer is: everything. Some of the most common assets to address in your estate plan include:

• Your personal property, such as furniture
• Your home and other real estate investments
• Your vehicle
• Any financial accounts or cash
• Insurance policies
• Retirement pensions and plans

Making an inventory of all your assets and deciding who should inherit them is what can make estate planning so complex. However, it is beneficial to reduce your own worries as well as your family’s.

Estate planning can be complicated, and that is why it is important to work with an attorney experienced in estate planning.

What makes a will legally valid?

There are several requirements you must meet for your will to be legal and valid. They are:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must be of sound mind
• There is no undue influence from interested parties
• The will is signed and dated with two witnesses who are not beneficiaries

If there is a reason to question any of these factors, beneficiaries may have grounds to contest a will and the estate administration. An estate planning attorney can help you to ensure your will is valid.

What are the responsibilities of an executor?

An executor is the representative you choose to carry out the wishes outlined in your will. Their responsibilities include:

• Submitting the will for probate
• Informing insurance, financial and government agencies of the death of their loved one
• Paying their loved one’s remaining taxes and debts
• Making an inventory of the estate and all assets
• Distributing the assets to the designated beneficiaries

It is important to note Texas’ laws involving executors. Most state laws dictate that the executor must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. And Texas probate courts reserve the right to reject an executor if they believe they are unfit.

What is the difference between a will and a living will?

Though they share a similar name, wills and living wills are very different documents with very different purposes.

A will helps you to provide for your family after death. Meanwhile, a living will, also called an advance healthcare directive, is an estate planning tool that specifically addresses your preferences for medical care. For example, a living will can:

• Instruct medical professionals to keep the testator alive
• Instruct medical professionals not to resuscitate
• Assign a trusted representative to make healthcare decisions

This document makes your wishes known if you are unable to speak for yourself in an emergency.

When should I update my estate plan?

Many people think that once they establish their estate plan, everything is settled. This is usually not the case. Estate planning laws change, and it is important to update your estate plan to comply with the laws.

It is also important to update your estate plan whenever you experience changes in your life, including:

• Someone in your family divorces or remarries
• There is the birth of a new family member
• A child becomes a legal adult
• You obtain a substantial amount of money
• You wish to make a change to your estate plan
• Your estate plan is old

Our estate planning lawyer can help you adjust and update your estate plan to meet your needs.

How long does probate take in Bexar County, and can it be avoided?

In most cases, the probate process can take anywhere between six and twelve months. Getting the court to approve your executor usually takes two to four weeks. However, settling debts, taking inventory of the estate and distributing assets to your family may take more time.

That said, probate is not inevitable. Several planning tools can help your family avoid it entirely. A revocable living trust can help pass assets to your beneficiaries privately without court involvement. A transfer on death deed does the same for real estate. Keeping beneficiary designations up to date on your bank accounts, retirement plans and life insurance can take care of the rest. Our lawyer will make sure these tools are working together as part of a coordinated plan.

What is the difference between a will and a revocable living trust in texas?

The biggest difference is probate. A will has to go through probate court, which takes time and becomes a public record. A trust bypasses that process entirely. Your family receives what you leave them privately and without court involvement.

A trust can also protect you during your lifetime. If you become incapacitated, your trustee can step in and manage your assets immediately without court approval. A will, on the other hand, will only take effect after you pass away.

Who will care for my minor children if something happens to me?

In Texas, you can name a Guardian of the Person to handle your children’s day-to-day care and a Guardian of the Estate to manage any money they inherit. You can name one person for both roles or different people for each – whatever makes the most sense for your family.

Without a guardian named in your will, a judge makes that decision for you, and the outcome may not reflect your wishes.

Pairing your guardian designation with a Contingent Minor’s Trust adds another layer of protection. It ensures that a trustee you selected manages and distributes your children’s inheritance as they grow up.

What is a power of attorney, and why do I need one alongside my will?

A power of attorney can grant someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf, especially when illness or injury leaves you unable to act or decide for yourself. A will alone leaves that period uncovered, which is why both documents are essential to a complete estate plan.

There are two kinds of POA. A statutory durable POA gives a person the legal authority to manage your financial affairs on your behalf, from paying bills to handling property transactions. A medical POA gives them the authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you are incapacitated and cannot communicate them yourself.

Without these documents, your family would have to petition the Bexar County court for the legal authority to help you. That process takes time and may cost considerably more than setting up a POA today.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jon R. Disrud For Estate Planning

Choosing the right estate planning professional is crucial when protecting your assets and interests. As a board-certified family law specialist who’s dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, attorney Disrud can help you do the following:

• Navigate complex legal requirements
• Minimize tax burdens on your estate
• Avoid probate court when possible
• Protect your assets from creditors
• Ensure your family’s financial security

As your San Antonio estate planning attorney, he will bring over 30 years of experience to your case. He can provide personalized attention, addressing your unique needs and concerns. Additionally, we offer ongoing support and education, ensuring that you stay informed and your plan remains current with any life changes or legal updates.

It Is Best To Work With A San Antonio Estate Planning Lawyer

Do-it-yourself estate plans may seem easy at first, but most people need a lawyer’s help to ensure that everything is correct and that they have the appropriate documents in place. Don’t take chances with your future; speak with an attorney today. Call us at 210-569-0581 or email us to schedule a consultation.