The recent rains have resulted in flooding in areas not previously affected. While there are a number of possible reasons, highway expansion, construction of new homes/subdivisions, silt build up in area lakes and creeks, the resulting flooded areas can’t be ignored. This reminded me that it is a good practice to review your insurance policies …
Continue reading “Read Your Insurance Policy – It Is Important”
You may not be aware of this, but attorneys are required to participate in continuing legal education. The State Bar of Texas requires each attorney to participate in 15 hours of continuing legal education each year. However, if you participate in over 33 hours each year, you will qualify for membership in the State Bar …
Continue reading “Documents Commonly Reviewed as part of Probate”
As most of you are aware, my law practice if focused primarly on etate planning and helping families transfer their assets from one generation to the next. Quite often I am asked questions about Last Will and Testaments. Therefore, in this week’s column I will address some of the more frequently asked questions regarding Wills. Does a …
The Fifth Amendment states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” My initial, inexperienced impression was that this clause meant just what it said. And over the years, my conviction has not changed that this straightforward language indeed indicates an unequivocal truth—that the Constitution prohibits takings for private use. I …
We plan our vacations, can spend hours choosing a car to buy, and can even spend time selecting a spot to eat dinner. If you are a business owner, you spend time budgeting and buying office equipment. Rancher spend time preparing feeding, working their cattle, and vacinating them. However, we all seem to push estate …
I am often asked “If I have a will. Does it have to be probated ?” The answer to that varies with the situation. First let me define Probate. Probate is the court procedure by which a Will is proved to be valid or invalid. In current usage probate has been expanded to generally refer …
Many folks I have counseled tell me they have added a trusted adult child to their financial accounts. Their reasoning is that it gives the child access to help them. That is a perfectly reasonable step to take, but it is important to consider the ramifications, especially as it may affect federal deposit insurance for …
If you did not already realize, Texas is a buyer beware state when it comes to purchasing real estate. Thus, an Earnest Money Contract necessary in a real estate transaction. Once you have settled on a home or commercial property you want to buy and have negotiated the basic terms of the purchase, your agreement …
As we enter a new year, it is time to remind folks of there is a sunset provision that may dramatically change the estate tax. This is because while the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 doubled the gift and estate tax exemption, unless Congress acts before January 1, 2026, this exemption is scheduled …
Continue reading “Estate Tax Exemption Change is Coming (Maybe)”
When assisting my clients with their estate planning or transferring their loved one’s assets after death, I am occasionally asked about surviving spouses veterans benefits. We have a wonderful gentleman here in Walker County that helps families with VA benefits, Robert “Bob” Kane, Jr., County Veterans Services Officer. Mr. Kane provided me with information for …
