Category: Wills & Trusts

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...

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,...

Estate planning ensures your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after you're gone. Among the many tools available, directed trusts stand out for their flexibility and control. This unique arrangement allows you to separate duties among trustees, tailoring management strategies to fit both your desires and the specific...

A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party (the trustor) gives another party (the trustee) the right to hold and manage assets for the benefit of the trustor or a third party (the beneficiary). A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a special type of trust that lets you support...

Directed trusts offer flexible and effective solutions for those wanting precise control over how their assets are managed and distributed. A directed trust might be appropriate if your estate includes complex or high-value assets, like businesses, real estate, or investment portfolios. This type of trust is also suitable for situations where...

In estate planning, a pour-over will is a strategic tool designed to ensure that all assets seamlessly transition into a trust upon an individual's passing. This legal document acts as a safety net, capturing any assets not previously placed in the trust, thereby streamlining the distribution process according to the established...

In Texas, like elsewhere, intestacy laws dictate who inherits property when someone passes away without a will, often leading to outcomes that might not align with the deceased's wishes. Understanding intestacy is important for anyone concerned with how their assets would be handled in their absence and wants to ensure their family's...

A will is a key step in managing your estate, and some people in Texas opt for a holographic will, attracted by its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This handwritten document may seem like a straightforward solution, but it carries significant disadvantages that could impact your wishes and your loved ones' future. From legal...

The SECURE Act has transformed American retirement planning with its sweeping changes. This legislation affects how you save, when you can access your funds, and the way your retirement assets are handled after you pass. It adjusts the age for required minimum distributions and modifies rules for inherited retirement accounts, offering new...