Most people in their late teens and early 20s do not own a substantial amount of assets, but it can still be prudent to have certain estate planning documents in place on their behalf. When your child turns 18, you no longer have the legal right to make healthcare or financial decisions...
Category: Estate Planning
Is a Handwritten Will Valid? Everything You Need to Know About Holographic Wills
Texas allows handwritten (holographic) wills, but usually, a typed will is a better option. There are some restrictions, however, on holographic wills in Texas that could invalidate a handwritten will under the right circumstances. Because of those rules, relying on a handwritten will can be risky and subject your loved ones to...
What is the Difference between an Estate Executor and an Estate Administrator?
An estate executor and an estate administrator perform the same duties as the personal representative for an estate. The difference is how they are chosen to represent the estate. Our Texas estate planning attorney explains the difference in detail in this article.
An estate executor is named...
What Does “Dying Intestate” Mean?
Unfortunately, some people never get around to making a will or living trust before they die. They might have met with a sudden, unexpected death when young or simply procrastinated. After all, no one wants to think about their mortality.
A Texas estate planning attorney can help you...
Top 5 Types of Trusts
Once regarded as an estate planning tool for only the ultra-rich, trusts have gained popularity among Texans of varied social and economic standing. There are many different types of trusts, each providing various advantages. Texas estate planning attorneys regularly help clients of all circumstances determine which type of trust will best meet their...
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HIPAA Issues in Estate Planning
Congress intended the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 to protect people from invasions of their privacy about their medical records. Unfortunately, the well-intentioned legislation created HIPAA issues in estate planning. A Texas estate planning attorney can explain these problems and craft an estate plan that will meet your needs...
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What Happens to My Estate if I Die Without Heirs?
What happens to your estate if you die without heirs in Texas will depend on whether you had estate planning documents or not. If you had a will or living trust agreement, your money and assets would get distributed according to the terms of those papers. If you did not have a will or...
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Estate Planning for Single Parents – You Should Be Doing These 3 Things
Every parent should develop a complete estate plan to provide for and protect their children in the event that the parent dies before the child grows up and moves away from home. If you are living with the child's other parent, it is unlikely that the child will have to move away from the...
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Three Things You Need to Know About Transfer on Death Deeds in Texas
Texas allows you to automatically transfer property upon your death without those items having to go through probate if you prepared and signed Texas Transfer on Death Deeds (TOD). This document works like a TOD designation on a bank account. A Texas estate planning attorney can draft a TOD deed for you and...
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What Is the Purpose of Estate Planning?
Many people assume that the only purpose of estate planning is to decide who receives their property after their death. However, there is much more to it than choosing heirs to receive your property. Comprehensive estate planning can include incapacitation planning, asset protection, and tax planning. Contact a Texas estate planning attorney if...
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