Flat Rate Services
Flat Rate Estate Planning Services
Expand Each Section to Learn More
Proactively completing a comprehensive estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. You will provide peace of mind knowing that your estate settlement will be greatly simplified and estate administration costs lessened or eliminated depending on the estate planning tool you choose to use – a Will or a Trust.
-
Basic Will Plan | $1,545
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Global HIPAA Release
- Medical Directive
- Dec. of Guardian in Advance
- Basic Will
- 1 Electronic Change Request
- Will Execution Ceremony
- Witness & Notary Service
- Written Legal Education
-
Trust Plan | $4,015
- Durable Power of Attorney • Medical Power of Attorney
- Global HIPAA Release
- Medical Directive
- Dec. of Guardian in Advance
- 1 Electronic Change Request
- Witness & Notary Service
- Written Legal Education
- Basic Trust
- Certification of Trust
- Trust Funding Memo
- 1 Texas Deed Transfer
- Trust-Based Will
- Asset Spreadsheet
- Personal Property Memo
- Memorial Instructions
- Secure Client Portal
-
Comprehensive Trust Portfolio (Recommended) | $6,985
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Global HIPAA Release
- Medical Directive
- Dec. of Guardian in Advance
- Witness & Notary Service
- Certification of Trust
- Trust Funding Memo
- 1 Texas Deed Transfer
- Trust-Based Will
- Personal Property Memo
- Memorial Instructions
- Secure Client Portal
- Comprehensive Trust • Asset Review W/ Attorney
- 1:1 Trust Funding & POA Education - 1 Yr.
- Unlimited Changes - 1 Yr.
- Secure Document Storage - 1 Yr.
- Qtryl - Live, Client Only Webinars
- 1 Estate Plan Review - Month 11
- 1 Estate Law Review - Month 11
- • Estate Plan Organization System
-
Lifetime Lawyer Portfolio | $9,970
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Global HIPAA Release • Medical Directive
- Dec. of Guardian in Advance
- Witness & Notary Service
- Certification of Trust
- Trust Funding Memo
- Deed Search & Transfer of 3 Properties
- 3 Financial Institution Transfers
- Trust-Based Will
- Personal Property Memo
- Memorial Instructions
- Secure Client Portal
- Comprehensive Trust
- Asset Review W/ Attorney
- 1:1 Trust Funding & POA Education - Life of Settlors
- Secure Document Storage - Life of Settlors
- Quarterly - Live, Client Only Webinars
- Yearly Estate Plan Review - Life of Settlors
- Yearly Estate Law Reviews - Life of Settlors
- Estate Plan Organization System
Virtual Services FAQ
-
What is the first thing I should do?Stop procrastinating and schedule a complimentary consultation to talk 1:1 with one of our attorneys.
-
What is a basic will?
A basic will directs for the immediate distribution of assets and contains no specific provisions such as a testamentary trust for minor children, etc.
-
What is a basic trust?A basic trust directs for the immediate distribution of assets and contains no specific provisions such as divorce proofing via descendant’s trusts, special needs provisions, international asset distribution, etc.
-
What is a comprehensive trust?A comprehensive trust contains more complex distributions instructions including, but not limited to, such things as divorce protection via descendant’s trusts, trusts for minor beneficiaries, education trusts, age appropriate distributions, generational trusts, annual distributions, charitable bequests and more.
-
What are some benefits of trust planning?There are too many to list, but here are a few: trusts are portable state-to-state; trusts (when funding correctly) avoid probate; trusts keep your affairs private; trusts are flexible enough to accomplish personal goals like creating an education fund; trusts protect an inheritance from divorce; trusts plan for a loved one with special needs and much, much more!
-
Why do you conduct monthly legal education?One of the keys to having an up-to-date estate plan is to keep abreast of changes and best-practices in all areas of estate and finance law. While not every month will pertain to your specific situation, you will find the information presented informative and empowering.
-
Texas is a community property state. Why do spouses need to write a will or trust?Community property is vastly misunderstood in Texas. Community property means that each spouse owns 50% of asset “X” and as such needs to leave instructions on how to dispose of that 50% upon his or her death. Assets do NOT automatically transfer to a surviving spouse.
-
Why is the Comprehensive Trust Portfolio most popular?The Comprehensive Trust Portfolio allows Crain & Wooley to provide you with the highest level of service without worrying about the billable hour. The first 12 months of having a trust are the most important; it is during these months that you fund your trust. This portfolio gives you access to the firm for 12 months for assistance, questions, advice, changes and more without incurring billable hour charges.
-
What comes in the Annual Report?Around month 11 of Comprehensive Trust Portfolio service, we conduct a review detailing: implications of law and tax changes, beneficiaries, special beneficiary instructions, assets funded into the trust and power of attorney agents. This report acts as a reminder of how your plan works and what it accomplishes as well as gives you about 1 month to request any changes be completed free of charge.
-
Why should I pay a lawyer to write my will or trust when I can do it myself online for A LOT cheaper?To be blunt, you get what you pay for. If you look closely legal self-help websites, you will see disclaimer statements like “this is not legal advice” and “services are not protected by attorney-client privilege or as legal work product”. These template services don’t provide you with the opportunity to engage with an attorney for comprehensive planning: current goals, future goals, what-if planning, tax planning and much more. So, the real question is why would you trust a non-legal entity to draw up documents that dispose of all your hard-earned assets?
-
What is a digital document locker?Secure exchange of information is vital to crafting your perfect estate plan. Crain & Wooley utilizes SmartVault, an SEC and FNRA approved, cloud-based document storage system. When using SmartVault we can securely communicate about your assets, end of life plans and general estate information without worrying about cyber security. SmartVault also allows you to store all your vital information like life insurance contracts, estate planning documents, assets lists and more in a secure manner while being able to access the information from anywhere on the globe.
-
How do I know if I need a will or a trust?Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys; tell us your goals and concerns and then we will outline which estate planning tool best accomplishes your current and future goals.
-
What is funding a trust?Funding your trust are the steps taken to make your trust is the owner of titled assets like your house, financial accounts, CDs, etc. Don’t worry – these actions do NOT impact your tax rate or your tax exemptions AND you remain in complete control of all assets. Your daily life does not change.
-
Does a will require probate?Short answer – yes. There are at least 10 different types of probate. Schedule a time to talk with our attorneys to learn which type of probate fits your situation.
-
What happens when my first 12 months is up?You have the option of renewing for $595/year to gain an additional 12 months of access to the firm. This access provides you with unlimited firm support for questions, changes and amendments without worrying about the billable hour. You will also receive an annual report for each renewal year.
-
What if I only want a will or a trust and nothing else?Crain & Wooley does not try to up-sell or talk you into anything. We will lay out the best option for your situation and then complete only the work that you deem necessary.
-
Do you offer payment plan options?Yes, our firm offers internal financing options.
-
What services do you offer?Crain & Wooley is a full-service estate planning law firm. We have expertise in standard & taxable trusts, standard & complex wills, probate, adult guardianship, nursing home/Medicaid planning, small business formation, real estate transactions, existing document review/updates and more.
-
I am not rich. Why do I need a will or a trust?If you have any type of asset (bank account, life insurance, house, condo, anything), you need a will or a trust. Gone are the days in which pay on death or beneficiary designations suffice.
Flat Rate Estate Planning Services
Flat Rate Estate Planning Services Proactively completing a comprehensive estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. You will provide peace of mind knowing that your estate settlement will be greatly simplified and estate administration costs lessened or eliminated depending on the estate planning tool you choose to use – a Will or a Trust.
-
Flat-Rate Pricing*Finally, you won’t need a lawyer to understand your legal fees. We clearly communicate our pricing structure upfront, so you can feel comfortable with our service from start to finish. No surprises, no hidden fees. *Our flat rate fees apply only to proactive planning services.
-
Optional Lifetime GuaranteeWith our optional lifetime guarantee, your will and trust will be automatically updated over the years to ensure it stays current with best practices, reflects your current wishes and minimizes future confusion for your family.
-
Knowledgeable ServiceLaws change all the time. We stay up to date with all the latest information so that you’re covered. No one else in the region is as dedicated or educated in this area of law. We’re the experts so you don’t have to be.
Satisfied Clients Tell Their Stories
-
"Very Professional, Thorough and Good Communicators"
Justin and his staff were very professional, thorough and good communicators. They prepared every doc they committed to, and in a timely manner. I like the lump sum fee arrangement. I would definitely recommend them.- Bart Hubbard -
"We are so grateful we did this."
We had been wanting to do and understand a trust for a long time. Once we received the meeting invite, the rest was easy. We learned about wills and trusts in an understandable way. Justin and his team are organized, thorough, friendly and helpful. They coordinated and explained each step of the process. We are so grateful we did this. The cost was invaluable. Thank you for everything.
- Shelly Torti -
"Would Definitely Recommend Crain & Wooley"
We attended a lunch seminar hosted by Shelly Joyner and her team to listen and learn more about our options with Trusts. Based on Shelly's presentation, examples, and knowledge of Trusts, we were sold on Crain & Wooley as the firm to prepare and manage our Trust.
The Crain & Wooley process from start to finish was fast, efficient and very professional. Throughout the progression, both Shelly and Steve Crosby communicated, answered all our questions, and provided various trust documents through the portal for our review /comments.
Would highly recommend the services of Crain & Wooley!!
- Paul & Helen Cherry -
"Made the Entire Process a Seamless Operation"
Finding a law firm to assist me in creating a "Living Trust" was very confusing. After interviewing three law firms, I chose Crain & Wooley.
They got back to me quickly after the initial consultation and made the entire process a seamless operation.
I highly recommend and will work with Shelly Joyner and Crain & Wiiley again in the future.
- Ricky Ellis -
"I would return for other legal issues and would highly recommend this firm for legal advice."
I am very pleased with the professional services of Crain and Wooley law firm with the trust documents formalized on my behalf. The fees were fair and the result was done in a few weeks. Terms and legal explanations were understood. I would return for other legal issues and would highly recommend this firm for legal advice.- Alex Montanez -
"I had a fantastic experience with your law firm and now I can relax!"
I had a fantastic experience with your law firm and now I can relax because I have my affairs in order! It was a very easy process, very informative, easy to gather their information and get the awesome result of having all my documents into my trust. Very impressed with the professionalism of Shelly Joiner, Jessica and Steve. I highly recommend this law firm Crain & Wooley for all the estate planning needs. Thank you!- Wanda Echevarria -
"Very Thorough In Explaining My Options"
Shelly was very thorough in explaining my options in estate planning and reviewing the documents I did have. I appreciate the speed and ease in completing my documents and support in transitioning my home into our living trust.- David Smith -
"We Felt Valued, Cared for and Appreciated"
It was a pleasure working with Justin Crain, Shelly Joyner, Steve Crosby, and the entire staff at Crain and Wooley. From the moment we walked into their office, we felt valued, cared for and appreciated. Justin took the time to explain to us the benefits of creating a trust and patiently answered all of our questions. My wife and I particularly appreciated their educational emphasis. They provided us with videos and literature that deepened our understanding of the process and purpose of creating a trust. We never felt any pressure during our meetings with them to purchase any legal products or services. They educated us, encouraged us to ask questions, and let us make our own decision. We did decide to create a living trust, and we are very pleased with the results.- William Benninghoff