My experience with Gary Westenhover showed me he is an honest and caring attorney. His priority is to help YOU and his fee is secondary. Definitely great customer service and professionalism. I highly recommend him.
Garnette Blanton
TM
Tressy Montgomery
Mar 27, 2023
5.0
Gary Westenhoover is an excellent attorney with excellent pricing.
Love him
RH
Ray Harper
Jan 10, 2022
5.0
Gary was extremely responsive to our requests for information. Gary was thorough, detailed and provided guidance in how to handle our probate situation. He worked to ensure we were compliant with applicable laws without billing for unneeded services or actions. I highly recommend if you need an attorney in an area Gary practices in, you should choose Gary!
CT
Chuck Thompson
Jul 23, 2020
5.0
Gary was a tremendous asset to my wife and I dealing with a couple of uncommon land/easement issues after her mother passed away. He was very knowledgeable, asked all the right questions and was very fair with his compensation.
It is a big plus to me to work with someone who, when you ask a question and they do not know the exact, fully correct answer, they will tell you they don't, but that they will research and find out and then they expediently call you back with documented, bankable information.
We are moving to Parker County and he will be our go-to real estate attorney for anything we need in the future.
MB
Mike Barron
May 18, 2020
5.0
We have used and refer clients to Gary Westenhover and he has always been great. He is prompt and professional. We would definitely recommend him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law
What is “probate”
The term probate refers to the Court proceedings an heir or beneficiary must go through to have someone appointed as the Executor or Administrator of an Estate, or to facilitate the transfer of assets from the deceased person to another.
Do I need a revocable living trust?
It depends on your unique situation. A living trust can be useful in many cases, but not every case. The FAQs that follow address issues that frequently arise in my client counseling sessions and will help you answer this question. Please read on.
Who is the Trustee of a living trust?
Usually, the person who creates the living trust is the Trustee, at least in the beginning. A married couple would be Co-Trustees. Upon the death or incapacity of the initial Trustee or CoTrustees, a Successor Trustee you designate assumes responsibility.
Who are the beneficiaries of a living trust?
Usually, the person who creates the Trust is the beneficiary until he or she dies. A married couple would both be beneficiaries, as long as either is alive. Upon the death of both beneficiaries, the trust usually terminates and is distributed to the remainder beneficiaries, although other options do exist.
What does a living trust accomplish?
The primary objective of a living trust is to avoid the probate process. Also, should you become incapacitated before your death, a living trust will enable your chosen Successor Trustee to manage your affairs while you are alive more easily.
Are you married?
If you have a joint living trust that supports both spouses, probate may be avoided on the death of either the first or second spouse. This increases the likelihood that the up-front cost of creating a living trust will outweigh the future expense of probate.
Do you have a blended family?
If you are married and have children from a prior marriage or relationship, your children will be your primary intestate heirs. To avoid this result, you must have either a Will or a Trust that states your intentions. If you have a Will, it will have to be submitted to probate, and your Estate will bear that expense. If you have a Trust, the Court proceedings will be avoided, assuming the Trust has been properly funded.
Do you own real property outside the State of Texas?
If so, you may be forced to engage in probate proceedings in more than one jurisdiction. Owning property both inside and outside the State of Texas means that you will likely be required to engage in probate proceedings in both states. Also, be aware that mineral interests are considered real property. A trust should avoid probate in all jurisdictions.
Is it likely that you will need someone to help you manage your affairs before you die?
Your spouse or child may find it much easier to manage your property and finances when those assets are held in a living trust. The alternative is to rely on a power of attorney, but oftentimes, the agent under a power of attorney will encounter difficulties using it. The living trust is more widely accepted.
Who will be in charge of winding up your Estate, and where does he or she live and work?
To probate your Will, your Executor will likely be compelled to attend Court proceedings in Texas. Your Executor may find it inconvenient to take time away from his or her family, not to mention expensive, to travel to Texas and participate in Court proceedings. A properly funded trust will eliminate the need for these proceedings.
What is probate and why is it important?
Probate is the court process to appoint an Executor or Administrator of an estate and to transfer assets from the deceased to heirs or beneficiaries.
Do I need a revocable living trust?
Whether you need a living trust depends on your unique situation. It can help avoid probate and manage your affairs if incapacitated, but not everyone requires one.
Who usually manages a living trust?
Typically, the person who creates the living trust serves as the Trustee initially; married couples often serve as Co-Trustees.
What benefits does a living trust provide?
A living trust helps avoid probate and allows a Successor Trustee to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated before death.
What services does Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law offer?
They provide services in decedent’s estates, guardianships, estate planning, and probate law around Weatherford, TX.
Where is Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law located and what are their office hours?
Located at 101 S Main St, Weatherford, TX 76086, the office is open Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and closed Friday through Sunday.
Which payment options are accepted at Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa for payments.
Which nearby legal services can clients also find around Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law?
Nearby legal services include The Vida Law Firm, PLLC and The Law Offices of Kary L. Key, as well as The Law Office of Mark E Harden for wills, trusts, and probate needs.
What are some nearby insurance agencies customers can visit after consulting Gary F. Westenhover Attorney At Law?
Nearby insurance agencies include Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, United Services Insurance Agency, and The SIM Agency LLC Insurance and Financial Services.
What local businesses are close by for clients to explore in downtown Weatherford?
Clients can visit Jamie Rose’s boutique, Hair On The Square salon, Peachy Pet Boutique, and enjoy dining options like Weatherford Downtown Cafe or Whistle Hill's Downtown Cafe nearby.