Dedicated Guidance in Protecting Yourself and your Assets for The Future. Serving McKinney, Greenville TX, and Surrounding Areas.

Though we often put it off, planning for the future is on everyone’s minds. However, it is a crucial step to take whether you are nearing retirement or starting your career. In addition, after the death of a loved one, many clients are unaware of the process that must be undertaken to pay creditors and transfer property appropriately.


At Scott, Ray, Pemberton & Goll, PLLC, we work with clients to protect their assets and legacy through estate planning. In the event of the death of a loved one, we work diligently to formulate the best strategy to handle the decedent’s estate. Our lawyers use more than 40 years of experience when helping you select the best and most economical estate planning tools and probate processes that suit your needs, interests, and goals. We understand that the operation can be complex and emotional. Our firm prides itself on our compassionate approach and skilled guidance. Learn how we can help by scheduling a consultation with our team in Greenville by calling (903) 454-0044 or (972) 525-5872 for our Collin County office.

Difference Between Wills & Trusts

Estate Planning Tools

There are a wide variety of estate planning tools, including designations and documents, that can be used to protect you, such as:

  • Wills: Having a last will and testament drafted is one of the most important steps you can take in estate planning. Your will dictates who will receive your estate assets and which assets they will receive. It can also detail other aspects of how you wish your estate to be handled in the event of your death.
  • Trusts: There are several different types of trusts that can be used to accomplish different goals. Some types of trusts include revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, life insurance trusts, and more. These trusts typically protect assets and property for future use or the benefit of your heirs and beneficiaries.
  • Powers of attorney: Medical, financial and durable powers of attorney can be implemented so someone else can make decisions and transactions on your behalf if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to do so yourself. In the power of attorney document, you name the trusted individual or individuals who can act in this capacity for you and the timeframe for which they will hold this power.
  • Advance health care directives: To ensure you receive the medical care you wish for, an advance health care directive can be composed. This document details the lengths you would want doctors to go to save your life or keep you alive, as well as other specifics that would need to be communicated in case you could not express them due to injury, illness, or incapacitation.
  • Transfer on Death Deeds and Lady Bird Deeds: Texas allows the transfer of real property upon the death of a loved one to a beneficiary named in a specific type of deed. Transfer on death deeds and ladybird deeds are sometimes a method to transfer real property, which may avoid the time and expense of probate.

Handling All Aspects of a Will

It is vital to have a last will and testament created to protect your assets, property, and legacy for yourself, your family, and future generations. A will detail all parts of your estate and how you wish them to be distributed upon your death. If you die without a will, the courts will take over and administer your estate according to the law versus your wishes.


Our firm can help you gather all the information needed to create a comprehensive will that provides directions for your executor, beneficiaries, and heirs. We can also assist in revising a will, which should be done in the event of a significant life event such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.

Estate planning meeting with advisor reviewing documents and financial plans.

Estate Planning Attorney in McKinney, TX

Serving McKinney and Frisco families, Scott, Ray, Pemberton & Goll, PLLC provides clear estate planning guidance designed to protect your family and property. An experienced estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, helps you plan with confidence while preparing for life changes across North Texas communities. Speak with an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, today. Call (903) 454 0044 to schedule your consultation.

Estate Planning Services Designed for Long-Term Protection

An estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, creates legal documents that reflect your wishes. Each plan is tailored and explained in plain language.

Our estate planning services include the following key tools.

Core Estate Planning Services

A strong estate plan often includes several documents working together.

  • Wills that direct how property is distributed
  • Trusts that help avoid probate and manage assets
  • Powers of attorney for financial decisions
  • Medical powers of attorney for health care choices
  • Guardianship planning for minor children
  • Advance directives that explain treatment preferences

An estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, will explain how each document fits your situation. Clients working with an estate planning attorney in Frisco, TX, often choose similar plans based on family structure.

FAQ About Estate Planning

  • How Often Should We Update Our Estate Plan

    We recommend reviewing our estate plan every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. Life events such as marriage, divorce, new children, or changes in assets can require updates sooner. As an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, we help ensure documents stay accurate and legally effective. Laws can also change over time, which may impact older plans. Regular reviews help protect our family and long-term goals.

  • Do We Need a Trust, or Is a Will Enough for Our Family

    Whether a will is enough depends on our goals, assets, and family situation. A will provides basic instructions, but a trust can help avoid probate and manage assets more efficiently. As an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, we explain the benefits and limits of each option. Families working with an estate planning attorney in Frisco, TX, often choose trusts for added control, privacy, and flexibility.

  • What Happens If We Pass Away Without an Estate Plan in Texas

    If we pass away without an estate plan, Texas law determines how assets are distributed. This process may not reflect our wishes or family needs. An estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, helps prevent confusion and delays by creating clear instructions. Without planning, the court may appoint guardians or administrators. Many families seeking an estate planning attorney in Frisco, TX, want to avoid these risks through proper planning.

  • How Does Estate Planning Help Protect Our Children and Loved Ones

    Estate planning allows us to name guardians, control asset distribution, and provide financial protection. An estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, helps create documents that support our children if something happens to us. Trusts can manage funds responsibly until children reach adulthood. Families working with an estate planning attorney in Frisco, TX, often prioritize protection and stability for future generations through thoughtful planning.

  • How Does Estate Planning Help Us Avoid Probate Delays

    Estate planning helps us reduce or avoid probate by using tools like trusts, beneficiary designations, and clear legal instructions. Probate can be time-consuming and stressful for our family. An estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, helps structure our plan to streamline asset transfer and minimize court involvement. Many families prefer this approach because it saves time, protects privacy, and allows loved ones faster access to resources when they need them most.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Scott, Ray, Pemberton & Goll, PLLC focuses on clear communication and practical planning. Every estate plan is built to protect what matters most. If you need an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX, or an estate planning attorney in Frisco, TX, our team is ready to help. \\

Call (903) 454 0044 to speak with an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX. Visit our contact page to get started.

Don’t wait till it’s too late; make sure you have a plan for your future. Contact the will & estate planning experts at Scott, Ray, Pemberton & Goll, PLLC.

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