When the marriage of Gina and Edward ended in divorce and it became necessary to allocate property, the trial court charged with ruling on this matter had to sort through multiple gifts made by Gina’s father while the couple was married. Understandably, Edward generally argued as much as possible that such gifts were made to …
Not only do I write Wills, I also see a lot of homemade Wills. All Wills are not the same and while there are some similarities, each situation requires thought and detail in the way their affairs are handled. Homemade or Will forms can cause many issues, so I thought I would present you …
The inheritance you leave could be eaten away by taxes or given to the wrong person(s). This week, I will try to provide tips to avoid this. Everyone should have the basic estate plan components. A life insurance policy, a Will, a designation of agent to control disposition of remains, a durable power of attorney …
While rare, some family members fight over cash, stocks and other large assets after a relative dies. But some of the most bitter fights are over personal items and trinkets. More than half of lawsuits over inheritances involve items worth less than 10 percent of a person’s estate, according to an article on dailyfinance.com. That’s because …
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”
This week I thought I would provide a list of what you should pull together after a loved one dies. Sometimes it is tough when you are dealing with grief and all the events related to funerals or celebrations of life. My hope is this provides a quick and easy reminder to keep you focused. …
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?”
Believe it or not, we are at the end of November and as the year draws to a close, families and businesses face unique legal considerations that require careful attention. Ensuring that your affairs are in order before the new year can prevent complications, reduce liability, and position you for success in the months ahead. …
Estate administration is the management and settlement of an estate by a personal representative approved by the court. Estate administration may not be necessary when the deceased person’s (decedent’s) estate is so small that no action is necessary to distribute the property to the beneficiaries or heirs. However, estate administration is required in most other …
