Houston, Texas - The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC (https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/plan-an-estate-for-your-surviving-spouse/) announces the release of “Plan an Estate for Your Surviving Spouse,” a practical resource developed by Whitney L. Thompson, a leading Houston estate planning attorney. The guidance addresses time-sensitive decisions that follow the death of a spouse and outlines clear steps to safeguard a family’s financial future under Texas law.
The publication explains how Texas community and separate property rules shape inheritances, why timely probate filings matter, and how beneficiary designations can transfer assets outside the court process. The material highlights cornerstone protections for a surviving spouse, including the right to occupy the homestead for life, a one-year family allowance paid from the estate, and exemptions for essential personal property. As a Houston estate planning attorney, Thompson details how a valid will can supersede default intestacy outcomes and how coordinated titling and designations can streamline asset transfers.
The guidance also addresses critical deadlines and elections. A surviving spouse may consider a qualified disclaimer of certain assets within nine months of the decedent’s date of death, which can redirect property to other beneficiaries as part of a broader plan. The material discusses the federal estate tax portability election, which can preserve a deceased spouse’s unused exclusion amount for future transfers. It further explains the interaction between Texas law and ERISA-governed retirement plans, noting that plan documents control beneficiary outcomes for many employer-sponsored accounts. Throughout, the Houston estate planning attorney underscores the importance of consolidating records, confirming account titles, and locating overlooked assets to stabilize household finances.
In addition to inheritance mechanics, the release outlines document updates that reduce risk and delay. Key actions include revising wills, trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, HIPAA releases, directives to physicians, and guardianship nominations for minor children. The material recommends refreshing successor agents when a deceased spouse previously served in that role, providing updated copies to medical providers, and aligning deeds, pay-on-death designations, and beneficiary forms with the intended plan. For families in Harris County and surrounding communities, the Houston estate planning attorney provides clear procedures for probate filings, deed recordation, and trust funding to maintain momentum during a difficult period.
The resource emphasizes periodic reviews following major life events, such as a birth or adoption, relocation to Texas, a home purchase or sale, business formation, or divorce. In Texas, final divorce decrees generally revoke many pre-divorce will provisions and multiple-party account designations in favor of a former spouse unless expressly preserved, making prompt updates essential to prevent misdirected distributions.
About The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC serves clients across Houston and Bay City with a focus on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and family law matters such as divorce and child support. Led by Whitney L. Thompson, the firm delivers clear guidance that helps individuals and families protect assets, reduce conflict, and plan for the future. The team assists with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives, and probate administration, with attention to Texas community property rules and blended-family considerations. For consultations, contact the Houston office at (281) 214-0173 or the Bay City office at (979) 318-5079, or schedule an appointment through the firm’s website.
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Company Name: The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
Contact Person: Whitney L. Thompson
Email: Send Email
Phone: (281) 214-0173
Address:4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 360
City: Houston
State: Texas 77068
Country: United States
Website: https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/
