Texans who have significant assets or properties that could be the foundation for dispute after they have died will seek to prepare for the future by addressing these probate issues beforehand. Unfortunately, even the most well-crafted estate plan can have...
Year: 2019
Texas blended families have specific estate planning needs
There is no step by step guide for every estate plan in Texas or anywhere else. Since everyone's family situation is different, estate planning must reflect those differences. Some families might have significant assets and minor children. Others have a family...
The terms of a trust won’t always excuse breaches
As this blog has discussed on previous occasions, Texas trustees, that is, those who manage the property held in a trust, have both a lot of power and a lot of responsibility.With considerable freedom, trustees are allowed to manage what is often a large amount of...
Single adults have important estate planning needs, too
There is a misconception that estate planning is something only reserved for the wealthy and famous or those with large estates. In reality, virtually every Texas adult could benefit from having even a basic estate plan. While people with children or valuable assets...
How does a Texas health proxy work?
The disposition of assets is a major part of estate planning, but it is not the only part. Another important part of estate planning has to do with how health care decisions are to be made if the person doing the estate planning becomes incapacitated. There are a...
What is the difference between heirs and beneficiaries?
Though the terms heirs and beneficiaries are often used interchangeably, many Pennsylvania residents may not be aware that they have different legal meanings and implications. Understanding the difference between the two can help people understand their status is...
A valid will in one state might be invalid in another
When creating a will, many people do not realize what might be valid in one state might not be valid in another. Understanding the different types of wills one can create gives individuals different options for distributing their wealth and assets while also ensuring...
Creating a trust is advantageous for trustors and beneficiaries
As mentioned previously in this blog, there are many estate-planning options available to those who wish to ensure their legacy is preserved after they are no longer alive. However, the process may seem overwhelming initially for those beginning it, as they struggle...
What happens in probate?
Probate has many misconceptions. While many Texas residents may think that probate litigation only takes place if someone has died without a will, this is not the case-probate actually involves the authentication of a will, if it was made, locating and valuing assets,...
An estate plan lets people choose their own heirs
When we leave this earth, we leave things behind. Even if a Texas resident does not have children, they still have assets that need to be distributed among beneficiaries and if directions are not provided, the state will make the decision for the decedent. This means...