When people hear “estate planning,” they often think of billionaires, yachts, and offshore trusts. But the truth is: estate planning is just as important—if not more so—for middle-income families.

At Barina Law Group in Temple, Texas, we serve hard-working families every day who want to protect what they've built, take care of their children, and avoid chaos if something happens. The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has changed the conversation—but the fundamentals remain the same:

✅ Every family deserves a plan
✅ Every child deserves protection
✅ Every spouse deserves clarity

What Should a Middle-Income Family Include in an Estate Plan?

You don't need millions to need a plan. In fact, if you don't have excess resources, the cost of NOT planning can devastate your family.

Here's what you need:

1. Revocable Living Trust or Will

This is the cornerstone of every estate plan. It lets you name who inherits what, when, and how—without court interference or extra expense.

• A will triggers probate (which can cost 5–10% of your estate)
• A revocable trust avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and helps with incapacity planning

1. Durable Power of Attorney

Who will pay your bills if you're incapacitated? Without this, even your spouse may be locked out of your accounts.

1. Medical Power of Attorney + Advance Directive

If you're in the hospital and unable to speak, who makes decisions? These two documents spell it out and protect your family from painful disputes.

1. Guardian Designation for Minor Children

If you have kids under 18, you must name who will raise them if something happens to you. Without this, the court chooses—and it may not be who you'd pick.

Why Now Is the Right Time

• The OBBBA raised the estate tax exemption to $15 million—but it also renewed public interest in planning.
• Texas has no state estate tax, so your primary focus should be avoiding probate, protecting children, and ensuring your wishes are followed.
• Families with modest homes, life insurance, and retirement accounts are often shocked to learn their “estate” adds up fast—and without planning, it may be lost to court costs, delays, or family conflict.

How We Help Families Like Yours

At Barina Law Group, we've developed a simple estate planning process that doesn't overwhelm you or your wallet:

✅ Flat fees for wills, powers of attorney, and trusts
✅ Evening consultations available
✅ Clear explanations in plain English
✅ Support for single parents, military families, and blended families

📞 Call to Action

If you own a home, have kids, or just want to stay in control, it's time to act.

📍 Call us at (254) 699-3755 or visit www.bobbybarinalaw.com

Let's build peace of mind—one plan at a time.