A family close to my heart recently experienced the loss of their second parent. The family includes an adult child with special needs. A family with a special needs child, even an adult child, faces unique challenges, so they need strategies that can help meet their family needs. I hope to share some useful information …
Continue reading “Estate Planning for Families of Special Needs Children”
We have seen a tremendous influx of people to Texas from other states in the past 5 years. Because estate planning is different for each state, new residents need to reconsider their existing estate plans in light of their recent move. Crossing borders can have profound and unforeseen implications for the future. Of course, Texas …
Continue reading “Welcome to Texas! Have you reviewed your Will?”
There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch I have address this topic several times in the past, but it is a continuing problem and one of my personal pet peeves. While in the past, many trust salesmen used the offer of a free meal to discuss a LIVING TRUST SEMINAR, today the preferred …
Most of us get together with our families at this time of year. It is a perfect time to make sure we communicate with our loved ones that we have a written plan and where to find it. A well-crafted, up-to-date estate plan will help to protect you and your family. Yet, Forbes reports that …
While it is rare, there are sad situations in which families fight after someone dies. Even more rare are disputes that arise between parents and their children while still living. Most people have been raised to be respectful to their parents and elders. However, in today’s world, I fear respect is becoming a preciously rare …
It comes to me as second nature, but when you are entering a real estate deal, you should hire an attorney. I am amazed at how many verbal land sales and homemade contracts I see. Homemade deeds with incorrect or insufficient legal descriptions are common as well. If you are going to invest your hard …
Not too many folks in our area are farming, however, there are tree farms and a lot of ranching families. Farming and ranching aren’t just jobs. They’re a way of life, often passed down through generations. But without a proper estate plan in place, that legacy can slip away—sometimes in just one generation. All too …
Estate planning can be complex, especially when you own property in multiple states. This can raise various legal considerations, potentially complicate the probate process, and increase the administrative burden on your heirs. Understanding the nuances of managing such a diverse portfolio can help streamline the process and ensure your assets are distributed according to your …
Continue reading “Ownership of Out of State Property in Estate Planning”
Several years ago, I completed Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. I enjoy listening to Dave Ramsey’s podcast and recently read The Total Money Makeover Updated edition. With many people having participated in similar programs and everyone’s focus on our Nation’s debt, I thought I would review some simple areas of personal finance. Nothing in this …
While the simplicity of a Will driven estate plan in Texas is most favored, some situations dictate using a trust instead. Navigating the details of a trust in the pursuit of crafting an optimal estate plan can be overwhelming. All 50 states have different systems of probate. The ultimate purpose of probate is to transfer …
