Setting up a trust is one thing. Choosing the person who will be in charge of investing the assets within the trust is another. That person must be skilled at maintaining records, handling taxes and staying on top of payments to the beneficiaries of the trust. That...
Trustees, Executors & Fiduciaries
Trusts in Texas are common estate planning tools
The University of Texas is involved in a lawsuit at the center of a dispute. The University asserts that actor Ryan O'Neal stole a painting that was designated for the school as a result of the estate planning of Farrah Fawcett with the use of trusts. They say that...
Texas readers may wish to consider living trusts
People in Texas know well that estate planning can help them achieve their goals as they relate to the distribution of assets after their death. What they may not understand is the vast array of options that they have to choose from to achieve these goals. Because...
Estate planning in Texas can include wills and trusts
Planning an estate in Texas involves making use of many available tools. Most commonly, people in our state use wills and trusts to make their wishes as to estate division known after their death. Using these types of estate planning tools, an individual can work to...
Texas families search for guardianship alternatives
As a person ages, it can be difficult for their family to determine what, if any, actions should be taken to assist them with their daily needs. This is especially true if an elderly person begins to show signs of dementia or other age-related diseases. Some in the...
Texas senator co-sponsors bill for guardianship alternatives
When a court appoints a guardian to care for an elderly or disabled person, the individual appointed is entrusted with the responsibility to oversee and make many decisions in the best interests of the person under their care. Other times, guardianship alternatives...
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...
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...
The distribution of assets of MLK Jr.
Estate planning provides people with peace of mind. If something was to happen to you, would you have the proper documents in place to make sure your wishes are followed? The distribution of assets can be dictated through a will, which many people tend to overlook....