Estate plan disputes usually begin with confusion, not bad intentions. If you leave gaps, inconsistencies or unanswered questions in your documents, you create room for doubt, and doubt often turns into conflict. Here are three ways to reduce the risk. Keep your...
Estate Planning
Can business owners arrange to sell their company after they die?
Running a successful business can be a point of personal pride. It can also provide the owner with a consistent stream of income. Many business owners aspire to have their loved ones assume control of their organizations after they die. They like the idea of their...
Minimizing taxes in business law succession planning
Business succession planning helps ensure a smooth transfer of ownership upon retirement or passing. In Houston, this process also involves preparing for taxes. Without a plan, your family, buyer or heirs may face significant estate or capital gains taxes, potentially...
Creating an estate plan to protect your business assets in 2025
The federal estate tax in 2025 was record-high—each person can pass on around $14 million. But it is expected to drop significantly in 2026. So, if someone with substantial assets dies after the change, the government can tax that amount even before the heirs receive...
What are holographic wills, and how can they cause disputes?
A holographic will might seem like a simple solution for documenting your final wishes. These documents can serve as legal wills in Texas under specific requirements. Many people might turn to holographic wills during emergencies or if they want to avoid attorney...
How to provide for your disabled child now…and later
Planning for the future of a disabled child is an essential aspect of estate planning that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. If you are a parent or guardian of a disabled child, you need to ensure your child's needs are met, during your...
How to ask your parents whether they have a will
Discussing the existence of a will can be a sensitive topic for many families. In fact, estate planning is often a topic that many people do not want to address because it brings up the idea of death. However, one of the best things any adult can do for their family...
R-E-S-P-E-C-T your legacy: Estate planning lessons from Aretha Franklin’s saga
The life and music of Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," continues to inspire millions. However, the story of her estate after her passing in 2018 serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper estate planning. The ensuing legal battle between her four...
What are holographic wills, and how can they cause disputes?
Many people prefer to consult with a professional and have them draft a will, which must include two witnesses' signatures. Texas law allows you to write the will yourself without having witnesses sign it if you handwrite it. Although it's possible to do it alone, it...
How to provide for a disabled child in an estate plan
Medical advances have allowed many children in Texas with significant disabilities to grow into adults. While they have increased lifespans, many will never be able to live independently and remain dependent on their parents. Parents of disabled adult children must...