Professional Recognition
Estate Planning Network Member
National Elder Law Member
Real Conversations. Thoughtful Planning.
Helping individuals and families in Houston, Texas, with estate planning, probate, guardianships, elder law, and special needs planning.
Estate Planning & Guardianship Attorney in Houston, Texas
At the Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, we provide clear, practical guidance for estate planning, probate, guardianships, elder law, and special needs planning. We take a hands-on approach, helping you understand your options and create a plan that reflects your family's needs and goals.
Whether you are creating a will, establishing a trust, planning for long-term care, assisting an aging loved one, or pursuing a guardianship, we help you develop solutions that make sense for your situation.
Meet Our Attorney
Whitney L. Thompson
Attorney at LawWhitney L. Thompson began her career in estate planning and probate law as a law student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law and strives to provide her clients with direct, honest guidance tailored to their specific circumstances
She is licensed to practice law in Texas and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families with estate planning, probate, guardianship, and family law matters. She understands the challenges families face when facing legal issues and making important decisions about their future.
"Proactive planning today prevents heartache and expensive litigation tomorrow."
Why Families Choose the Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson
Whether you are creating an estate plan, helping an aging parent, pursuing guardianship, or preparing for long-term care needs, you deserve guidance that is clear, practical, and focused on your goals. At the Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, we take the time to understand your circumstances and help you move forward with a plan that makes sense for you and your family.
1
Hands-On Approach
We work directly with you throughout the process. We take the time to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions without unnecessary legal jargon.
2
Practical Guidance
Legal planning does not have to feel confusing. We focus on providing straightforward advice and realistic solutions so you can feel confident about the choices you make.
3
Tailored Solutions
No two families are alike. We take the time to learn about your goals, concerns, and priorities before developing a plan that reflects what matters most to you and helps you prepare for the future with confidence.
4
Long-Term Support
From estate planning and probate matters to guardianships, elder law concerns, special needs planning, and mediation services, we help prepare for the future and address life's changing circumstances.
Estate Planning That Gives You Clarity for the Future
Creating an estate plan is about more than preparing documents. It is about making decisions that protect your loved ones, honor your wishes, and give you peace of mind about the future. Whether you are creating your first will, establishing a trust, or planning for long-term care, having a clear plan in place can help your family avoid uncertainty.
At the Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, we take a practical, hands-on approach to estate planning. We will work closely with you to create plans that reflect your goals and values. Our goal is to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.
What Our Clients Say
The knowledge and care found here are top tier. Attorney Thompson is extremely smart and very kind. She will work tirelessly to get you out of any situation that you may find yourself in. I definitely recommend her services to any and all who are in need of a family attorney. You won’t regret it!
She represented me in a case concerning guardianship over my grandson. It was a very time sensitive matter and we won the case. I am very grateful for her, because my grandson has stability and is growing up loved beyond measure. Attorney Whitney Thompson is very passionate and she truly cares for the people.
Attorney Whitney Thompson is a great attorney. I refer people to her law firm because I know she has the experience and professionalism necessary to deliver competent legal services. Do not hesitate to call this attorney should you need honest representation.
I had an amazing experience with Attorney Thompson. She really took her time and explained everything to me. I am amazed at how knowledgeable she is on guardianship cases. It was a very easy process. Her staff is amazing and great at communicating. I had no issues at all. I will recommend her to everyone.
When a Loved One Needs Protection
When a Loved One Needs Protection
Life can change unexpectedly. When an adult family member can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs, guardianship may be necessary to ensure they receive proper care and protection. We help families handle the guardianship process with compassion and practical guidance.
Guardianship can be an important tool when an aging parent, adult child with disabilities, or other loved one cannot make decisions independently. We guide families through the process, helping them understand their options, fulfill legal requirements, and make informed decisions.
Estate Planning FAQs
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just about wealth; it’s about control. Even young adults with modest assets benefit from having a will to direct asset distribution and name guardians for minor children. A medical power of attorney and an advance directive are equally important if you become incapacitated. Without these documents, state law and the courts will make these decisions for you.
A will takes effect only upon your death and must go through probate, which can take six to twelve months in Texas. A living trust takes effect immediately, allows you to manage assets during your lifetime, and avoids probate entirely. Trusts also remain private, while wills become public record. Most comprehensive estate plans include both: a will to cover any assets outside the trust and name guardians for minor children, and a trust to avoid probate.
Texas intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed. Your spouse and children inherit based on rigid formulas that may not reflect your wishes. The court appoints an administrator, often based on statutory priority rather than your preference, and the process takes longer and costs more than probate with a will. Creating a will ensures you control these outcomes.
Texas recognizes handwritten wills, also called holographic wills, but they must meet strict requirements to be valid. A poorly drafted will can be challenged, misinterpreted, or ruled invalid, leading to costly litigation. An experienced estate planning attorney ensures your documents comply with Texas law, reflect your wishes accurately, and coordinate with other planning tools like trusts and powers of attorney.
Establishing a special needs trust allows you to provide for a child with disabilities without disqualifying them from government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. The trust can cover expenses not paid by government programs, such as education, recreation, and quality-of-life enhancements.
Probate is the legal process through which a court validates a will, appoints an executor or administrator, and oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. In Texas, probate occurs in the county where the deceased person lived. For Houston residents, this typically means filing with the Harris County Probate Courts. Probate typically takes 6-12 months and involves court supervision of estate distribution. Assets placed in a living trust bypass probate entirely, allowing faster, private distribution to beneficiaries.
Blended families face unique challenges, such as balancing the interests of a current spouse with those of children from prior relationships. Trusts can provide for a surviving spouse during their lifetime while ensuring assets eventually pass to your children. Clear communication and careful drafting are essential to avoid family disputes. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you structure a plan that honors all relationships.
Planning Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow
Get Started TodaySpecial Needs Planning for Houston Families
Planning for a loved one with special needs involves more than setting aside financial resources. Families often need to consider long-term care, future decision-making, and strategies that help preserve eligibility for important government benefits. A thoughtful plan can provide stability and peace of mind while helping ensure your loved one is supported for years to come.
At The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, we help families create plans that protect loved ones with special needs. From special needs trusts to guardianship and long-term planning, we provide practical guidance tailored to your family's goals while helping you prepare for the future with confidence. Our goal is to create lasting plans that provide security, support, and peace of mind.
