For Texas residents who are moving forward with estate planning and are seeking to ensure that their heirs and beneficiaries are cared for after their death, taxes should be considered when preparing for the future. This is true whether the estate is one of...
Year: 2018
New tax laws not the only reason to update an estate plan
Texas residents who were estimating how the new tax laws would affect them should know about the changes to the estate tax. The amount that is exempted has doubled to around $11.2 million for an individual and twice that for couples. While this is important to those...
Have you considered how an estate plan could benefit you?
Many people may live their lives without giving much thought to when they will die. While this live-in-the-moment type of attitude may seem positive and uplifting, it may not benefit everyone to avoid thinking about their potential demises. If you die without an...
Trusts are often preferable than simply willing assets to heirs
Texans who are crafting an estate plan might want to keep the document as simple as possible and give their heirs their inheritance immediately. This is especially true when the testator has adult children and believes they are of sufficient education, age and...
Common mistakes made when crafting living trusts
Estate planning strategies inevitably differ based on the individual's needs. Texans who are in the process of deciding what form of estate plan they want to use might be confused by all the available options. Trusts are a common method of estate planning. However,...
Wills are often not enough for comprehensive estate planning
Responsible Texans will take the imperative steps to craft their estate plan to adhere to their desires and loved ones' needs. Many will think that they have done what is necessary to ensure their plan is airtight and covers all eventualities by having a basic will....
What should I know about a medical power of attorney?
Drafting estate planning documents in Texas should be comprehensive and adhere to all the needs and desires the person has. For some, a health proxy is one of the key factors they will think about as they formulate strategies for their estate plan. Understanding all...
Tailoring an estate plan based on the new tax laws
Texans who are drafting estate planning documents should pay close attention to changes in laws that come about with every governmental power shift. Such is the case with the Trump Administration and its changes to federal tax laws. With it, the amount that people can...
Should you update your estate plan to include a living will?
You may take pride in choosing to prepare for situations that are possible, even if you do not know whether they may actually come to fruition. Feeling prepared and having a plan may allow you to feel less stress in your life, especially when those plans prevent your...
How does a durable power of attorney work in Texas?
Residents who are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and their estates will want to know all the different tools that can be used under estate planning laws. One is a durable power of attorney. With a durable power of attorney, there will be another...