My will was written in the 1980s and since then major events that affected me personally had made that will defunct. Leaving my estate to those who would benefit the most from what will be left when I depart was of utmost importance on my mind. That is when Coggin & Coggin PLLC entered the picture. They covered every aspect of the disposition of my estate, tying it up so that no one could contest my desires. I know that those who are most deserving will receive what I have bequeathed to them. That worry is no longer upon my mind. Thank you, David A. Coggin, and your staff for all of the time and energy you put into protecting me, as well as my estate, when I am no longer capable to do so. May God bless you for your service!
MA
Mike Arnold
Sep 9, 2025
5.0
I needed some help with a legal document and David took the time to explain the process and was very quick in getting me the help I needed. Was very happy with the outcome and it was very reasonable.
KD
Karen Delozier
Sep 9, 2025
5.0
Coggin and Coggin has been a fantastic resource. I cannot tell you just how much my family appreciates the assistance to make some good legal decision and to make them come to fruition. I would proudly recommend this firm to anyone needing assistance. They listen, give advice and work very well to make it happen.
Thank you
SS
Steve Stafford
Jul 27, 2025
5.0
Staff was friendly and helpful.
BD
Bobby Daggs
Jul 8, 2025
5.0
David Coggins has been our attorney for over 15 years. He explained everything & answer all questions in a way that we can understand. he just did our will & did guardianship papers about 15 years ago. He is done to earth & is reasonable. I recommend him highly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coggin & Coggin PLLC
What is a Will?
Wills are the fundamental estate planning document used to tell your loved ones (and the Court) how your estate will be divided after you die. To make a will, you generally must be over the age of 18 and have testamentary capacity, meaning you understand the nature and extent of your property, and the consequences of making a will, and can make reasonable judgments regarding your will. At a minimum, wills must be in writing and signed by you, as well as two witnesses over the age of 14. A will in and of itself doesn’t transfer property to loved ones. To accomplish that, the will generally will have to be probated (see more on Probate below).
What is a Trust?
Trusts are legal structures in which an individual or entity (called a trustee) holds, manages, and invests assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. The person creating the trust (the settlor) selects the party(s) who will serve as trustee(s), names one or more beneficiaries, and determines how the trustee must manage the funds held in the trust. The settlor can even name themselves as the primary beneficiary and trustee. A well-structured trust offers benefits such as asset protection, control over wealth distribution, estate tax savings, and providing for vulnerable loved ones such as children with special needs. Trusts can also help you avoid probate, which saves time and money, and allows for more privacy.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney gives one or more people the authority to act on your behalf. You can give a person broad power to act for you, or very limited power for a specific transaction. Common Powers of Attorney include Medical Powers of Attorney and Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney. A Medical Power of Attorney authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and receive medical information about you in the event you are incapacitated. A Statutory Durable Power of Attorney gives someone the authority to handle your personal business, such as paying bills and managing finances. Power to act under a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney can be granted immediately, or to only take effect upon your incapacitation.
What are Executors and Trustees, and how do I choose the right one?
An executor is someone you name in your will to be responsible for overseeing the closing out and distribution of your estate after you die. Executors are usually close family members who are beneficiaries under the will (such as a spouse or adult child), but they can be anyone trustworthy, responsible, and detail-oriented. Key tasks of the executor include:
Appearing in probate court to be officially designated as the estate’s representative
Gathering and protecting the estate assets
Managing the estate finances and paying off debts
Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries per the terms of the will
Closing the estate
How do I know when to update my estate plan?
It’s a good idea to review your estate plan every two to three years and consider whether any changes are needed. Common reasons to review and potentially update your estate plan include:
Moving out of Texas
Getting married or divorced
The death of a spouse, beneficiary, named trustee or guardian
Receiving a substantial inheritance or significant increase in the value of your estate
A child developing a special-needs condition
What is Probate and Estate Administration?
When you’ve lost a loved one, probate and estate administration allows you to gather your loved one’s assets, settle their debts, and distribute the remainder according to your loved one’s will or state law. Not all estates require probate or administration, but it’s best to check with a probate/estate administration attorney to be sure. The estate includes, with a few exceptions, any assets owned by your loved one at their death, including real estate, vehicles, household items, valuables and collectibles, financial assets, and business interests. The estate does not include any assets that automatically transfer upon death, such as bank and investment accounts with named payable-on-death beneficiaries. Probate of a will must be accomplished within 4 years of the date of death.
How do I avoid my family having to go through probate once I’m gone?
While probate in Texas is efficient and economical compared to other states, there are reasons to avoid it. Probate can take months and usually costs thousands of dollars, and the filings as part of the probate proceeding become public records. Strategies to avoid probate include creating a trust to hold your assets and naming payable-on-death beneficiaries on your bank and other investment accounts. Specific to real estate, a Lady Bird Deed can be used to transfer property to your loved ones upon death without probate.
What is a Limited Liability Company?
A limited liability company (or LLC) is a legal entity that holds your business assets, including real estate, vehicles, and other tangible property, and financial accounts. An LLC can be held by another legal entity, such as a trust. If your assets and debts are kept separate from the business assets and debts held by the LLC, any lawsuit or other claim involving the business held by the LLC is limited to only those assets within the LLC, shielding your personal assets from loss. An LLC can be further subdivided into Registered Series (Series A, B, C, etc.) that provide further protection. Though part of the same LLC, if the Series’ assets and debts are kept separate, claims or lawsuits involving business property held in Series A, for example, will only affect property in Series A, shielding property held in Series B, C, and so on. This construct can be especially valuable for owners of rental property.
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed is a way to transfer real estate to loved ones upon your death without the need for probate. The deed is signed and filed during your lifetime but does not take effect until you pass away. In the meantime, your ownership and use of the property are otherwise unaffected, and the deed can be revoked if you sell your property or simply change your mind.
What are some strategies for wealth protection?
Wealth protection strategies focus on preserving existing wealth and minimizing potential losses. Common methods for wealth protection include:
Diversifying investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate
Insurance, such as life, disability, and long-term care insurance
Maintaining an emergency fund
Comprehensive estate planning
Avoiding high-risk investments
Working with a financial advisor
What services does Coggin & Coggin PLLC provide?
Coggin & Coggin PLLC offers services in business law, probate, estate planning, and wills in the Burleson, TX area.
What are the office hours of Coggin & Coggin PLLC?
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and closed on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome and extended hours may be available upon request.
How can I contact Coggin & Coggin PLLC?
You can reach them by phone at +1 817-295-7161 or via email at dcoggin@dcoggin.com.
What payment methods are accepted at Coggin & Coggin PLLC?
Payment options include check, MasterCard, and Visa.
What is a will and how does Coggin & Coggin PLLC assist with it?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document that specifies how your estate will be divided after death. Coggin & Coggin PLLC helps clients create valid wills that meet legal criteria.
Can Coggin & Coggin PLLC help me avoid probate for my estate?
Yes, they provide strategies such as creating trusts and using Lady Bird Deeds to help clients avoid probate and its associated costs and delays.
What is the role of an executor and can Coggin & Coggin PLLC assist in choosing one?
An executor oversees the distribution of your estate after you pass away. Coggin & Coggin PLLC can guide you in selecting a responsible and trustworthy executor.
Is Coggin & Coggin PLLC located near any financial or legal services?
Yes, nearby places include Oates Financial and Tax Services and Capital Title - Burleson, which provide complementary financial and real estate legal services that might be useful before or after visiting the firm.
Are there nearby clinics or medical services close to Coggin & Coggin PLLC?
Nearby medical services include Texas Health Medical Associates Wilshire Family Medicine and Wilshire Family Medicine Clinic, where clients can manage health needs conveniently while attending to legal matters.
What local dining options are available near Coggin & Coggin PLLC?
Clients can enjoy nearby eateries such as Go Loco Street Tacos & Burritos for a quick meal, or Chicken Express for American fast food.