Thanksgiving invites us to gather, reflect, and express gratitude—but one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family is a clear, up-to-date estate plan. As a Dallas estate planning attorney, I’ve seen how proactive planning becomes a legacy of love, easing stress and protecting what matters most. At The Vermillion Law Firm in Dallas, John R. Vermillion and our team help Texans create and maintain wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives tailored to their lives.

The Current Landscape of Estate Planning

Only 24% of U.S. adults have a will as of 2025, including just 24% of adults aged 18–34. If your documents are outdated—or you’ve never created them—now is the perfect time to work with a will lawyer in Dallas to put a plan in place that reflects your values and your family’s needs.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

Treat estate planning as an extension of seasonal gratitude. A comprehensive plan can spare loved ones from avoidable court delays and uncertainty in Dallas County probate and across Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. Whether you’re comparing a living trust vs. will in Texas, updating beneficiary designations, or exploring asset protection strategies, a short consultation can deliver long-term peace of mind.

Practical Tips for Your Texas Estate Plan

• Review your core documents. Ensure your Texas last will and testament, revocable living trust, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and directive to physicians reflect any changes in marriage, divorce, children, or finances.

• Choose trusted decision-makers. Name an executor and agents who can step in confidently; discuss roles with backups.

• Clarify transfers and probate-avoidance tools. Consider transfer on death deeds (TOD), a Lady Bird Deed (enhanced life estate deed), and proper trust funding to help avoid probate in Texas when appropriate.

• Plan for special circumstances. For a loved one with disabilities, a special needs trust attorney in Dallas can help preserve benefits. For long-term care, explore Medicaid planning, Miller Trusts (Qualified Income Trusts), and Medicaid asset protection trusts.

• Communicate your wishes. Share where documents are stored, who to contact, and how you want healthcare and financial decisions handled.

A Reassuring Note

Estate planning doesn’t have to be intimidating. Think of it as an ongoing act of care—updated every few years or after major life events—to keep your intentions crystal clear. If you’re in Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Plano, Richardson, Garland, Irving, Addison, Carrollton, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, or Mesquite, our Dallas estate planning law firm is here to help.

Start Your Legacy of Love Today

This season, transform gratitude into action. Schedule a consultation with The Vermillion Law Firm—your local estate planning and probate attorney in Dallas—to review your will, trust, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney. We’ll help you build a plan that protects your family and reflects your values—today and for years to come. ¿Hablas español? Abogado de planificación patrimonial en Dallas disponible.