February 18, 2025 by Clarissa Ayala
Lone Star Legal Aid’s Deborah Concepcion Helps Joseph Newman Secure His Future
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it’s about ensuring that a person’s wishes are carried out efficiently and legally after they pass. Without proper planning, an estate often has to go through probate, a court process that can be time-consuming and costly. By setting up the right legal documents, individuals can avoid probate and ensure their assets go directly to their intended beneficiaries.
Additionally, Powers of Attorney (POA) are critical for those facing health challenges. A Medical Power of Attorney designates someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual if they become incapacitated. A Financial Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to handle financial affairs, such as paying bills and managing property. Without these documents, families often face legal roadblocks in assisting their loved ones during medical emergencies.
For Joseph, these legal tools were not just important but urgent. He needed documents that would allow his beneficiary to receive his estate efficiently, and he wanted to make sure his family could make medical and financial decisions for him if he could not do so.
Understanding the urgency of his situation, Conroe Branch Office Managing Attorney Deborah Concepcion, along with paralegal Mary Rodriguez (a notary) and assistant Linda Hyatt, quickly got to work. They drafted all the necessary estate planning documents, including:
- A Last Will and Testament to clearly outline his wishes for his estate.
- A Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) to help bypass probate and ensure his property went directly to his beneficiary.
- A Financial Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to manage his financial affairs if needed.
- A Medical Power of Attorney to ensure his healthcare decisions were handled according to his wishes.
Recognizing that Joseph had difficulty getting around, the team arranged to meet him personally and notarize his documents on the spot. Within a short time, Joseph had everything he needed for peace of mind.
As Joseph signed the final document, the tension he had carried for months eased. He no longer had to worry about what would happen to his estate or if his family would face legal barriers in managing his care. His smile said it all—he was relieved, reassured, and grateful.
Justice isn’t just about courtroom victories—it’s about ensuring every individual, regardless of income, has access to the legal tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. Thanks to the dedication of our legal team, Joseph Newman now has the security of knowing his affairs are in order.
If you or a loved one need estate planning assistance, don’t wait. We can help you secure your future and bring peace of mind to you and your family.
