Lost Creek's Dedicated Estate Planning & Asset Protection Team

The federal estate tax exemption is set at a substantial level today, but it is scheduled to decrease significantly after the current legislative period ends. For Lost Creek homeowners whose estates include a home that has appreciated dramatically since the 1970s or 1980s, combined with retirement accounts and other assets, crossing the exemption threshold is a real possibility. Planning tools such as SLATs, ILITs, and structured gifting programs can reduce taxable estate value before any exemption reduction takes effect.

Holding investment property inside a limited liability company separates that asset's liability from your personal finances and from your primary residence in Lost Creek. If a tenant or visitor brings a claim against the property, the LLC structure limits exposure to the assets inside that entity rather than your broader estate. Owning multiple rental properties in a single LLC reduces that protection, so we often recommend separate entities for each significant holding. Proper maintenance of the LLC is equally important.

A Section 1301 Management Trust is authorized under the Texas Estates Code and is established through a court proceeding, typically when a beneficiary with a disability receives a settlement or inheritance that does not fit neatly into a self-settled special needs trust. It allows a corporate trustee to manage the funds in a way that preserves eligibility for government benefits. For Lost Creek families navigating an inheritance situation on behalf of a family member with disabilities, it can be an important alternative to other trust structures.

Texas is an income-cap state for certain Medicaid long-term care programs, meaning an applicant whose monthly income exceeds the current threshold is not automatically eligible, even if their income does not cover the full cost of care. A Qualified Income Trust, sometimes called a Miller Trust, can be used to bring an applicant into compliance with that cap. Income and asset rules change periodically, so anyone in Lost Creek considering Medicaid planning should review their situation with an attorney familiar with current Texas eligibility requirements.

Naming your estate as a beneficiary routes those assets through Travis County probate, which is a public process that takes time and involves court costs. For a Lost Creek family with a substantial IRA or life insurance policy, that means months of delay before heirs receive funds, plus a public record of what you owned and who received it. Naming individuals or a properly structured trust directly avoids probate entirely and gives your family faster, private access to those assets.

Robbins Estate Law does not publish neighborhood-specific client counts, but the firm has handled thousands of cases across Texas, including a significant number of families in the 78746 corridor. Lost Creek residents, along with neighbors in West Lake Hills and the broader Westlake area, make up a meaningful part of the client base served from our Capital of Texas Highway office. Our reputation in the area is built on transparent flat fees, clear communication, and plans that reflect the specific assets and goals of each family.

Yes. Our Westlake office at 1250 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg 3 Ste 400, Austin, TX 78746, is approximately 1.5 miles from Lost Creek, just off Loop 360. Lost Creek residents can schedule in-person strategy sessions, document signings, and review meetings at that location without a long drive. We also offer virtual appointments for clients who prefer them, but most families in Lost Creek find the proximity of our office makes face-to-face meetings the easier and more comfortable choice.