Handling the affairs of someone who has passed away is the norm for my office. However, I realize that for many, death comes as a shock. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one, it can be overwhelming. However, don’t forget to take care of yourself and reach out to loved ones …
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 …
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?”
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 …
I missed getting an article out in September on Alzheimer’s disease, September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. However, this is a subject close to my heart because my father, Oliver James Moak, suffered from this condition. Over time, the disease can change a loved one into a seemingly different person. Caring for a loved one with …
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”
As the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature draws to a close, I thought it might be interesting to provide a legislative report covering significant bills impacting real estate matters in Texas. Senate Bill 17 SB 17 is one of several measures introduced this session aimed at restricting certain types of foreign ownership of …
Continue reading “Real Estate Matters In The 89th Regular Session”
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 …
My Mother has always stressed the importance of water conservation to my family. As long as I can remember she said “Water is the most precious resource and we are going to run out.” There is a case before the Texas Supreme Court that could dramatically change ground water rights in Texas. So, in this …
When assisting families with real estate that has belonged to a family member, commonly there are questions about siblings which were either adopted, stepchildren or children from outside the marriage. Therefore, in this week’s column I will explain how each of these scenarios may affect inheritance rights. The inheritance rights of adopted children are protected …
Continue reading “INHERITANCE RIGHTS OF ADOPTED, HALF-BLOOD AND STEP CHILDREN”
