Proper estate planning is very important for elderly Houston residents to have in place. It is also very important to seek legal representation from professionals who have good reputations and records to back them up when it comes to these matters. This is because if something goes awry with estate administration, you willl not be around to help clear things up.

The sole beneficiary and executor of a deceased Ohio woman's estate went to trial today. He is accused of altering the woman's will in order to steal her $750,000 estate. The 66-year-old man has been charged with theft, tampering with records and perjury in relation to the alleged crime.

The woman reportedly had no family, and this man was her financial advisor. She lived in a nursing home and planned to divide her estate between three of her friends, the Save-A-Pet foundation and the Holy Cancer Family Home.

However, after her 2009 death, her plans have yet to come to fruition. Her financial planner allegedly doctored her the dying woman's will, making himself the executor and beneficiary, and forced her to sign it.

When he filed the will in probate court, the woman's original beneficiaries challenged it, according to a news report.

This unfortunate case illustrates the need for elders and their families to enlist reputable attorneys in planning for long-term care and estate administration. Once this case is finally resolved, some of the woman's estate will have been spent on the litigation. In order to achieve effective and efficient transfer of property and gift money, it is important to have a legal professional guide you through the estate planning and estate administration process.

Source: MentorPatch, "Trial Begins For Man Accused Of Stealing From Dying Woman's Estate," Jan. 12, 2012