People can become attached to their possessions and collections that have been amassed over the years, often making it difficult to let go of them. For Houston residents, strong estate planning involves taking those collections and making sure that they are well taken...
Year: 2012
Whitney Houston’s estate expected to grow as administration begins
In Texas and across the country, estate administration can be challenging when a wealthy person dies. In those instances where the deceased is a celebrity, opportunities may exist for the estate to earn substantial income from the sale of products related to the...
Estate plan important for disposition of land
Real property purchased by a party during their lifetime often becomes a part of their estate after they pass away. An estate plan created while the person is alive can direct the actions that an estate, through an executor, will take after the person dies. The...
As land values rise, estate planning is essential for farmers
The family farm has long been held as an ideal in the United States. Many states, including Texas, have a large number of family farms and farmers, and estate planning is often an important thing for them to take under consideration. This may be particularly true as...
The importance of appointing a trustworthy executor
An executor of an estate has many responsibilities. Not only must they administer the estate of the deceased person, but they also must meet important fiduciary duties. These duties can include, among others, providing an accounting of the assets and debts of the...
Stieg Larsson: finished the books, forgot the will
The author of the Millennium trilogy died before his first novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was published. Stieg Larsson left behind at least four novels when he died of a heart attack at the age of 50, but he failed author the most important document of all:...
The danger of relying on oral promises in estate planning
Texas residents should beware of relying on oral promises for their estate planning needs. One of the main functions of a will and estate plan is to make sure that your wishes for the distribution of your assets are clear and followed. If you make an oral promise that...
Early estate planning can help avoid probate litigation
Rosa Parks is known as one of the famous civil rights activists in America History, but this civil rights icon's estate has been mired in conflict and litigation. Rosa Park's estate plan provided that her possessions would go to a charitable institute dedicated to the...
Lack of an estate plan can lead to familial strife
It is important to work with an estate planning attorney who understands your needs and your wishes for your estate. You have no say in how your estate will be handled if you fail to execute an estate plan. The failure to execute a will, trust, or other estate...