Crain & Wooley

09/03/2026

Marcel brings several years of experience in estate planning, probate, and business law. At Crain & Wooley, he plays an essential role supporting clients through the planning and probate process. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/W302F02

09/02/2026

End-of-life decisions are too important to leave to chance — learn how to put your wishes in writing and give your family peace of mind.

Planning for the unexpected is the kindest thing you can do for your loved ones.

08/31/2026

For the love of God, can we please stop assuming everything automatically goes to the surviving spouse?

Texas is a community property state, and one of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:

"When one spouse dies, everything automatically belongs to the other spouse."

That's not how it works.

Each spouse has an ownership interest in the community property. Your estate plan needs to address your interest in that property and what happens to it when you die.

Think about it this way:

If you were getting divorced, you'd want your 50% .

Death is no different when it comes to planning for your share.

We hear people argue with us about this all the time because they've heard an “urban legend” about what happens when a spouse dies.

But estate planning isn't about what you want the law to say.

It's about understanding what the law actually says and then creating a plan that accomplishes what you want to happen.

Don't let assumptions, family folklore, or wishful thinking replace an actual estate plan.

Know what you own. Know what happens to your share. Plan for it. Call 972-560-6288.

08/28/2026

You can get exactly what you think you need from a DIY will-and-trust website.

But what about what you don't know you don't know?

That's the real value of working with an experienced estate planning attorney.

You go to a cardiologist for heart issues.

You go to a mechanic for car issues.

You hire a professional when the consequences of getting something wrong matter.

Estate planning is no different.

A website can give you documents. But estate planning is about much more than filling in the blanks. It's about understanding your family, your assets, your goals,
Texas law, and the issues you may not even know to ask about.

And yes—we know people sometimes hesitate to work with attorneys because they've heard the stories about complicated billing and unexpected legal fees.

That's not how we operate at Crain & Wooley.

We believe you deserve to know what you're paying before you move forward.

We're upfront about our pricing and what our services include.

Don't leave your life's work and the people you love to the cheapest option simply because it looks easy.

When it comes to protecting everything you've worked for, you deserve more than a document. You deserve a plan. Call us at 972-560-6288.

08/28/2026

Beneficiaries challenge trusts over fraud, incapacity, or undue influence. Litigation clarifies intent and upholds the settlor's wishes. Crain & Wooley helps families navigate these challenges—call us. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/q1N9u7F

08/27/2026

Experts recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, even without major events. Check asset titling and family dynamics for any needed adjustments. Reach out to Crain & Wooley for guidance. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/r3P1v5M

08/26/2026

We make estate planning simple. Crain & Wooley offers free guides and educational videos covering wills, trusts, and probate. Explore our website for valuable resources that answer your questions. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/63w7g33

08/26/2026

Don't let the dust gather on your estate plan.

We often hear people say, “I have an estate plan. I’m good!”

But when was the last time you actually looked at it?

So, what does “review your estate plan regularly” really mean?

We suggest two simple rules:

1. Review it whenever there's a major life change.
Marriage. Divorce. Birth of a child or grandchild. Death of a beneficiary. A significant change in your assets. A move to another state. A change in the people you've named to serve.

2. If nothing major has changed, use the “5 or 0” rule.
Make it a point to review your estate plan when you have a birthday ending in 5 or 0—45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and so on.

It gives you an easy reminder without having to wonder, “When am I supposed to review this again?”

Your estate plan should reflect your current family, current assets, and current wishes.

Don't let a beautifully prepared plan become an outdated plan.

Put a reminder on the calendar—and keep your plan working for your family.

08/25/2026

Planning for the future means making decisions you can trust. Crain & Wooley provides step-by-step guidance through comprehensive estate planning and probate services. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/i538181

08/24/2026

When a child or loved one needs a guardian, the court looks at who can provide care and stability. Crain & Wooley helps Plano families plan for that possibility before a crisis hits. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/G4s155m