FAQ

Flat Fee Page
- Document-Only Will Plan | $1,545
  The Will Plan provides the essential documents needed for a basic estate plan, ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. It includes the creation of a Last Will and Testament, which outlines how your assets will be distributed upon your passing, as well as vital documents for managing your affairs during your lifetime. Please note that additional time for education, questions, or revisions will incur separate fees.
  Included Documents and Services (Click Here for Legal Term Descriptions):
  - Durable Power of Attorney
  - Medical Power of Attorney
  - HIPAA Release
  - Directive to Physicians
  - Declaration of Guardian in Advance of Need
  - Last Will and Testament
  - Document Signing Services
  - Written Legal Education
- Comprehensive Will Plan | $2,115
  The Comprehensive Will Plan offers a thorough and accessible estate planning solution for those who want to ensure that their wishes are clearly documented and that they receive the guidance they need. This plan includes the creation of a Last Will and Testament along with other essential documents to manage your affairs during your lifetime and upon your passing. Unlike our basic Will Plan, the Comprehensive Will Plan includes 12 months of access to our firm at no additional charge, allowing you to make updates and ask questions without worrying about extra fees. We also take the time to review your documents with you, ensuring that you fully understand their contents and how to use your estate plan effectively.
  Included Documents and Services (Click Here for Legal Term Descriptions):
  - Durable Power of Attorney
  - Medical Power of Attorney
  - HIPAA Release
  - Directive to Physicians
  - Declaration of Guardians in Advance of Need
  - Last Will and Testament
  - Document Signing Services
  - Written Legal Education
  - Scheduled Document Review and Education
  - Secure Client Portal & Document Storage
  - Unlimited Support and Updates for 12 Months
  - Estate Plan and Law Review (Month 10)
  - Client-Only Webinars
  - Estate Plan Organizational System
- Document-Only Trust Plan | $4,015
  The Trust Plan provides a more detailed and proactive estate planning option for those seeking to avoid probate and ensure a smoother transition of assets. It includes the creation of a Living Trust, which allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries without the need for probate, offering more privacy and control. Please note that additional time for education, questions, or revisions will incur separate fees.
  Included Documents and Services (Click Here for Legal Term Descriptions):
  - Durable Power of Attorney
  - Medical Power of Attorney
  - HIPAA Release
  - Directive to Physicians
  - Declaration of Guardians in Advance of Need
  - Pour-Over Will
  - Document Signing Services
  - Written Legal Education
  - Living Trust
  - Trust Funding Education Memo
  - Memorandum of Personal Property
- Comprehensive Trust Plan | $6,985
  The Comprehensive Trust Portfolio is a complete, turn-key estate planning solution designed for those who want thorough, personalized guidance and peace of mind. Unlike our Will Plan and Trust Plan, which provide essential documents but do not include additional assistance or ongoing education, the Comprehensive Trust Portfolio goes beyond the basics. With this plan, you receive not only the foundational estate planning documents but also an entire year of unlimited support—without worrying about being billed for every meeting, question, or update.
  What makes this plan truly unique is that all services are provided for a single, one-time flat fee. This means you won't face unexpected charges for meetings, revisions, or additional requests. We take care of everything from start to finish, including drafting and filing documents, reviewing your assets, and providing ongoing education to ensure you fully understand how your estate plan works. The typical process takes 2-3 months, but with 12 months of access, you have ample time to ask questions, adjust your plan, and gain the confidence that everything is handled correctly—without the pressure of running out of time or incurring extra costs.
  By choosing the Comprehensive Trust Portfolio, you gain the assurance that your plan is not only comprehensive but also proactively managed. You receive the support you need to make sure every asset is accounted for, every document is understood, and every detail of your estate plan is implemented correctly. This inclusive approach allows you to focus on what matters most—knowing that your estate plan is ready to serve your needs and protect your legacy.
  Included Documents and Services (Click Here for Legal Term Descriptions):
  - Durable Power of Attorney
  - Medical Power of Attorney
  - HIPAA Release
  - Directive to Physicians
  - Declaration of Guardians in Advance of Need
  - Pour-Over Will
  - Document Signing Services
  - Written Legal Education
  - Living Trust
  - Trust Funding Education Memo
  - Memorandum of Personal Property
  - One Texas Deed Transfer
  - Memorial Wishes
  - Scheduled Document Review and Education
  - Scheduled Asset Review and Trust Funding Education
  - Secure Client Portal & Document Storage
  - Unlimited Support and Updates for 12 Months
  - Estate Plan and Law Review (Month 10)
  - Client-Only Webinars
  - Estate Plan Organizational System
- Lifetime Lawyer Program | $9,970
  The Lifetime Lawyer Program offers a truly comprehensive estate planning experience, designed for clients seeking ongoing support without worrying about additional costs. Whether you choose to use a Living Trust, Last Will and Testament, or a combination of both as part of your plan, our program provides lifetime assistance to ensure your estate plan remains effective and aligned with your goals. This includes continuous support not just for you, but also for those who will manage your estate after you, such as Trustees and Executors, ensuring they have the guidance they need to fulfill their roles.
  With the Lifetime Lawyer Program, all services are included for as long as you are living (or, in the case of married couples, as long as one spouse is living), making it easier to navigate life changes and legal updates. You’ll receive all necessary documents, unlimited updates, and ongoing legal education, allowing us to focus on building a lasting relationship with you—without the worry of being billed by the hour or for every meeting. It’s a turn-key solution that handles everything from the creation and filing of documents to the education needed to ensure you fully understand your estate plan.
  Key Benefits of the Lifetime Lawyer Program:
  - Unlimited Support and Updates for Life: Make as many changes or updates to your estate plan as needed, ask questions, and receive guidance without worrying about hourly fees. Whether you need adjustments due to life events, law changes, or simply have questions about your documents, we are here for you with no additional charges.
  - Annual Law Review and Unlimited Meetings: Each year, we provide you with a report detailing updates on estate and tax laws, helping you stay informed about relevant changes. If you want to understand how these updates might impact your specific estate plan, you can schedule a meeting with us anytime, at no extra cost, ensuring your plan remains aligned with your goals.
  - Client-Only Webinars: Access exclusive webinars that offer ongoing education on estate planning topics and updates on legal matters. At the end of each session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized answers from our legal team, giving you greater clarity and confidence in your estate planning decisions.
  - Ongoing Support for Your Trustees and Executors: Our commitment extends beyond your lifetime. Upon your passing, your Successor Trustee or Executor will receive a complimentary one-hour consultation with our firm. This includes trust or will education, training, and a plan review, helping ensure a smooth transition and proper management of your estate according to your wishes. This added support eases the process for your loved ones during a challenging time.
  With the Lifetime Lawyer Program, you gain peace of mind knowing that your estate plan is supported and maintained throughout your life and beyond. Our goal is to provide you and your family with the confidence that everything is taken care of, ensuring a seamless experience for you now and a smooth transition for your heirs in the future.
  Included Documents and Services (Click Here for Legal Term Descriptions):
  - Durable Power of Attorney
  - Medical Power of Attorney
  - HIPAA Release
  - Directive to Physicians
  - Declaration of Guardians in Advance of Need
  - Pour-Over Will
  - Last Will and Testament
  - Lifetime Document Signing Services
  - Written Legal Education
  - Living Trust
  - Trust Funding Education Memo
  - Memorandum of Personal Property
  - One Texas Deed Transfer
  - Memorial Wishes
  - Scheduled Document Review and Education
  - Scheduled Asset Review and Trust Funding Education
  - Lifetime Secure Client Portal & Document Storage
  - Lifetime Unlimited Support and Updates
  - Lifetime Estate Plan and Law Review
  - Lifetime Client-Only Webinars
  - Estate Plan Organizational System
  - Successor Trustee and Executor 1-Hour of Law Firm Time Included Upon Client Passing
Virtual Services FAQ
- What technology do I need for virtual services?
  
  For 100% virtual services, you will need a computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera and file sharing capabilities. Each document signer (husband, wife, etc.) will need a separate email address. A free email service such as Gmail or Yahoo will work just fine.
- What private technology does Crain & Wooley use?
  
  Crain & Wooley is dedicated to protecting your privacy. All video consultations and email communications take place via an internal, two-factor authentication protocol, and our document sharing portal is FINRA, SEC and GLBA compliant.
- Why would I choose to work with Crain & Wooley instead of an attorney in my town?
  
  Clients from across Texas choose Crain & Wooley due to our professionalism, subject matter authority, approachability, flat rate pricing, customer service promises and comprehensive planning approach.
Flat Rate Services
- 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 an estate plan?
  
  It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, having an estate plan is important for everyone, no matter the size of your estate. An estate plan ensures that your assets—no matter how modest—are distributed according to your wishes, providing peace of mind that your loved ones are cared for. Without a plan in place, your estate becomes subject to intestacy laws, meaning that the state decides how your assets will be divided.
  
  Intestacy can be a lengthy and costly process, often requiring heirship proceedings and the appointment of an attorney ad litem to represent unknown heirs. This can create significant delays, expenses, and stress for your loved ones, all while potentially resulting in outcomes you wouldn’t have chosen—like distant relatives inheriting your assets.
  
  By creating a personalized estate plan, you maintain control over what happens to your assets, ensuring they go to the people or causes you care about most. You can avoid the complications of intestacy, simplify the process for your loved ones, and ensure that your wishes are honored.
  
  At our firm, we make estate planning accessible and straightforward, no matter your situation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a plan that protects your legacy and gives you peace of mind.

FAQ

Flat Fee Page

Virtual Services FAQ

Flat Rate Services