about us
How Estate Planning Works
at Aria Law PLLC
A clear, five-meeting process — from first conversation to signed plan — so you always know where you are and what comes next.
You Don't Need to Come Prepared. Just Come.
The most common reason people put off estate planning isn't money. It's not knowing where to start. What do I bring to the first meeting? What decisions will I have to make? What if my situation is complicated?
The process I've built starts with a short intake questionnaire — it takes just a few minutes and makes sure our first conversation is focused on your family and your goals, not background logistics. From there, I'll guide every decision, explain every option, and make sure nothing moves forward until you understand exactly where your plan stands.
Five meetings. A complete plan. Nothing open-ended.
The Five-Meeting Planning Process
Discovery and Intake
Complete a short intake questionnaire to get started — this is what allows us to schedule your free 45-minute consultation. We'll review what you've shared and talk through your family, your assets, and what you're hoping to accomplish. I'll tell you which planning tier fits your situation and what the flat fee will be.
Planning & Design
We meet to go deeper. I ask detailed questions about your family structure, your property, your wishes for minor children or dependents, and any specific concerns you have. By the end of this meeting, I have everything I need to draft your documents. You leave knowing exactly what your plan will include.
Document Review
Your draft documents are ready. We go through every provision together — in plain language, not legal jargon — and you read what you're agreeing to before anything is finalized. This is a great time to ask questions and confirm your understanding. If something doesn't fit, we change it. Nothing moves forward until you're satisfied.
Signing Ceremony
Your final documents are executed with proper Texas formalities — witnesses, notarization, and everything required to make your plan legally valid. This meeting is intentional, not rushed.
Trust Funding and Implementation Review
For clients with a trust-based plan, this meeting provides in-depth guidance on the funding process. We also review your plan as a whole and discuss when to revisit it as life changes.
Three Tiers of Planning — Built for Real Families, Not Just Wealthy Ones
Estate planning isn't one-size-fits-all, and it isn't just for people with large estates. Aria Law offers three flat-fee tiers built around where you are in life and what your family actually needs.
Will Plan
The Will Plan is built for individuals and couples who need foundational documents: a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, and medical power of attorney. It's the right starting point for young adults heading to college, single adults with straightforward assets, or anyone who needs to get something in place quickly and affordably.
Trust Plan
The Trust Plan is built around a revocable living trust — the most effective way to transfer assets to your beneficiaries without going through probate. It includes all foundational documents plus the trust itself and initial funding guidance. This is the right fit for homeowners, parents of minor children, blended families, and anyone who wants their estate to transfer privately, quickly, and without court involvement.
Complex Plan
The Complex Plan is for families with significant assets, multiple properties, business interests, special needs beneficiaries, or estate tax considerations. It may include irrevocable trust structures, advanced asset protection strategies, or coordination with your CPA and financial advisor. If your situation doesn't fit neatly into a standard plan, this is where we start.
Every tier is priced as a flat fee — quoted before any work begins. Payment plans are available for all three tiers. You'll know the number before you agree to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Estate Planning Process
What is included in a basic estate plan in Texas?
A foundational Texas estate plan typically includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney for financial decisions, and a medical power of attorney for healthcare decisions. Depending on your assets and goals, a revocable living trust may also be recommended.
How much does estate planning cost in San Antonio, Texas?
Aria Law charges flat fees for all services — no hourly billing, no surprise invoices. The cost depends on the tier of planning that fits your situation, and you'll receive a specific quote after your free initial consultation. Payment plans are available for every tier.
What should I expect when meeting with an estate planning attorney in Texas?
Your first meeting at Aria Law is a free 15-minute consultation — just a conversation about your family and what you're hoping to accomplish. No paperwork, no pressure, no commitment. From there, the process moves through four additional structured meetings, ending with a signing ceremony and, for trust clients, a funding review.
What is the estate planning process step by step?
At Aria Law, the process runs five meetings: discovery and intake, planning presentation, document review, signing ceremony, and trust funding and implementation review. Each meeting has a defined purpose, so you always know where you are and what comes next.
How long does estate planning take from start to finish?
The timeline depends on how quickly meetings are scheduled and documents are drafted, but most clients complete the process within four to eight weeks.
Do I need a trust, or will a will be enough?
It depends on what you own and what you want to happen when you die. A will is the right foundation for many clients. A trust is better when you want to avoid probate, keep your estate private, or have more control over how and when assets pass to your beneficiaries. This is one of the first things we discuss in your initial consultation.
Start with a Free 45-Minute Consultation
No commitment. Just a conversation with our team to start the process and if needed answer any immediate questions — in English or Spanish.
