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Wills and Trusts


Wills and Trusts

Tax Law Firm Located in the DFW Metroplex Serving Texas and the United States – Dallas Tax Attorney + CPA

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Whether you have a simple or complex estate planning needs, you will want counsel from an experienced estate planning attorney who understands the intricacies of tax planning and asset protection.

Located in Dallas, Texas, and serving individuals throughout Texas and the rest of the United States, Bruce E. Bernstien & Associates has been providing individuals with experienced legal advice about wills and trusts for more than 30 years.

In addition to his extensive experience as a practicing attorney, Mr. Bernstien is also a CPA. Utilizing his experience and background, Mr. Bernstien can help you achieve your goals in the most advantageous manner while limiting your estate’s tax liability.

Experienced Dallas Wills and Trusts Attorney + CPA

Estate planning, including wills and trusts, involves major decisions with potentially far-reaching consequences. It is important that you know and understand your options and receive capable counsel from an attorney who can properly advise you and execute your decisions.

Wills and trusts attorney and CPA Bruce Bernstien has the experience and background to assist you with these matters. He will take the time to understand your goals and explain your options, including the benefits and limitations of your choices. Retaining an experienced attorney and CPA to handle your wills and trusts matter means that you can count on an estate plan that will be handled in a professional, economical and efficient manner.

Contact an Experienced Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Wills and Trusts Attorney + CPA

To discuss your will, trust or estate matters in confidence with an experienced tax, probate and estate planning attorney who is also a CPA, schedule a confidential consultation with Mr. Bernstien by calling (214) 706-0837, or fill out our intake form and we will contact you.

Take advantage of our knowledge, skill, experience and connections. Call today.

We are available 24/7 for your convenience. After hours, call (214) 616-5320 (cell). As an attorney, Mr. Bernstien understands legal issues do not arise on a schedule, and he does his best to be available when you need him. All calls will be promptly returned if Mr. Bernstien is in Tax Court, at the IRS, in a client meeting or otherwise indisposed.

Please note that other attorneys may be retained to assist on certain matters and some matters may be referred to another law firm.

Located in Dallas, Texas, Bruce E. Bernstien & Associates represents individuals and small-to-medium-sized companies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the rest of Texas and the United States in a wide range of legal matters, from business startup, individual and business tax planning, tax disputes, and estate planning. We represent clients in tax matters throughout the communities in and around Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Galveston, Plano, and Irving, Texas, as well as nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Trusts

Find answers to common questions about our services

What is the difference between a will and a trust?
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A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed after your death. It takes effect only upon death and must go through probate — the court-supervised process of validating the will and distributing assets. A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are transferred to a trustee to hold for the benefit of your beneficiaries; it can take effect during your lifetime and, for assets held in the trust, avoids probate entirely. Many comprehensive estate plans include both.

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
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Dying without a will in Texas means your estate is distributed according to the Texas laws of intestate succession — a fixed formula that may not reflect your wishes. For example, Texas intestacy rules may split your estate between your spouse and children in ways that were not intended, and non-family members you may have wanted to benefit receive nothing. Any minor children would require court-appointed guardianship for their inheritance. A will is the most basic and important step anyone can take to protect their family.

What types of trusts does the firm prepare?
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We prepare revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, life insurance trusts, and other trust instruments tailored to the client’s goals. Each type serves different purposes — revocable trusts primarily for probate avoidance and control; irrevocable trusts for estate tax reduction, asset protection, and Medicaid planning; special needs trusts to protect a beneficiary’s government benefit eligibility; and charitable trusts for philanthropic goals combined with tax planning.

Do I need a trust if I already have a will?
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Possibly. A will alone requires probate — a public, court-supervised process that takes time and costs money. If you have significant assets, specific distribution requirements, or want to avoid probate, a trust allows assets to transfer privately and without court involvement. For many clients, a revocable living trust funded during their lifetime, paired with a “pour-over” will, provides both flexibility and efficiency. We evaluate whether a trust makes sense for each client’s situation.

How often should I update my will or trust?
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Update your will or trust whenever you experience a significant life event: marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, substantial change in your assets, or a move to another state. Tax law changes — particularly to estate and gift tax exemptions — may also warrant a review. As a general rule, reviewing estate documents every three to five years is good practice even without a triggering event.

Bruce E. Bernstien & Associates

10440 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1040, Dallas, Texas 75231

Telephone : 214-706-0837

Fax: 214-706-0848

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