Do I Still Need a Will If I Have a Trust?
It’s a common question: if you’ve set up a trust, do you still need a will? Many people assume that creating a trust eliminates the need for other estate planning documents, but that’s not the case. A trust is an effective way to manage and distribute property; however, a will often remains...
Can an Ex-Spouse Inherit? How Divorce Affects Wills and Trusts in Texas
When you go through a divorce, you probably think about child custody, dividing property, or changing your last name. But one thing many people forget? Updating their estate plan.
In Texas, the law does offer some automatic protections after divorce, but not enough to guarantee your ex doesn’t...
What Happens When There’s No Executor Named in the Will?
You’ve found the will. It looks valid. It names who should inherit what. But there’s just one problem—there’s no executor listed. Or maybe the person named has passed away, is unable to serve, or simply doesn’t want the responsibility.
While this can be unsettling, it doesn’t mean the probate...
Understanding Undue Influence in Will Contests
When a loved one passes away, the last thing most families expect is a fight over the will. But when that document leaves everything to one person—or shuts out close relatives entirely—it raises fundamental questions. Was this indeed what your loved one wanted? Or was someone pulling the strings?
Understanding the Ins and Outs of Payable-On-Death (POD) Accounts
A Payable-on-Death (POD) account is a type of financial account that allows you to name a beneficiary who will inherit the funds after your death. While you are alive, the funds in the account remain under your control. Upon your passing, the funds are transferred directly to the named...
What Evidence Do I Need to Contest a Will?
Disputes over a loved one’s will can be deeply emotional and overwhelming. Whether you’ve noticed irregularities or feel something isn’t right, it’s natural to want answers. Contesting a will is about more than disagreements; it’s about ensuring fairness and protecting the true intentions of the person who passed away. Taking action may...
How to Amend an Existing Trust
Trusts are powerful tools for managing and protecting your assets, but life changes. You may have welcomed new family members, adjusted your financial goals, or seen changes in tax laws. These shifts often mean your trust needs an update to reflect your current situation and intentions. Making adjustments to an existing trust...
What Are the Disadvantages Of A Trust?
Trusts have gained popularity as a key estate planning tool, especially among individuals with substantial assets or complicated family situations. They offer advantages like bypassing the costs, public scrutiny, and delays of the probate process. However, while trusts can be appealing, they aren't the best option for everyone. Before deciding if...
Can I Put My Farm in a Trust?
Families often want to hold onto land, hoping to eventually pass it on from one generation to the next. Many Texans have kept their farms in the family for years. As you consider your family’s needs and your wishes for your property, you may wonder about your options for protecting this valuable...
Do Trusts Work for Multi-State Property Owners?
Many Texans own real estate in multiple states, allowing them to spend more time with family members who live in other places, keep businesses running outside of the Lone Star state, or simply to avoid the intensity of the Texas summer heat. However, you might not realize that when you pass away,...