Most Texans think that by signing a will, they will eliminate quarrels among their survivors over the distribution of their assets. In many cases, that assumption is valid, but in a few cases, survivors of the decedent may still quarrel over who gets what from the...
Estate Planning
Understanding a Texas special needs trust
Many Texas families have a member who suffers from a disabling birth defect, injury or illness. Planning for the long-term care of these unfortunate individuals can place a heavy burden on the shoulders of other family members. A commonly used estate planning tool...
Is spring the season for estate planning?
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. And, during these times, we think about our loves and our family. We think about what they need and what will make them happy. This is why this season of love is the time to start the family estate plan. We get it, estate...
What is required for a will to be valid?
Having a valid will is important for estate planners to ensure their wishes will be fulfilled and that their property and assets will go to who they want them to go to. For that reason, estate planners should be familiar with the elements of a valid will. What is...
What is succession planning?
The one certainty for business is that they are now facing more uncertainty and unexpected challenges. Business must plan for the sudden departure of their leadership and preparing qualified successors to take over. Succession planning Succession planning now plays a...
What will your estate plan look like?
When Texas residents are getting ready to start their estate planning efforts, they probably talk to people they know who have a plan in place or even do some online research on their own first. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it is important to remember that any...
When should you update your estate plan?
You may have made the responsible decision to execute a comprehensive estate plan, but what did you do with your estate plan once it was finished? Did you leave it to gather dust in a filing cabinet or safe deposit box? If so, it may be time to blow the dust off your...
What is included in an LGBTQ+ estate plan?
It might seem like same-sex marriage has been legal for a long time, but it actually was not legal in all 50 states until 2015. And, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40 percent of LGBTQ+ households in the U.S. are still unmarried as a result. Unfortunately,...
Estate planning and protecting your bank accounts
The importance of establishing a estate plan is known to individuals in Texas; however, many will put this task off until later in life. The reality is that individuals own assets and property right now, regardless if it is much or holds much value. If one were to...
Is estate planning really essential?
During these crazy tumultuous times, estate planning has become a hot topic. However, one question that keeps coming up is whether or not estate planning is truly essential. Many people believe that state law will protect their families when they pass or that they do...