Many people procrastinate about making a will because they incorrectly assume that their loved ones will automatically receive their property after they die. In fact, dying intestate (not having a valid will at the time of your death) could leave the people you care most about empty-handed and...
Category: Wills & Trusts

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 Are the Disadvantages of a Trust?
Trusts have become an increasingly popular estate planning tool. Individuals with significant assets and complex family dynamics favor trusts to avoid the expense, public record, and protracted probate process. However, as attractive as trusts can be for some, they aren’t the right choice for everyone and there can be disadvantages. To make the proper...
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What Are the Rights of a Trust Beneficiary in Texas?
The rights of the beneficiary of a trust in Texas will depend on the language of the trust and our state’s statutory and case law. Generally, the terms of the trust document will take precedence over the statutes about the duties of the trustee and the rights of the beneficiaries, but the Texas Trust...
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What Are Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)?
Trusts offer many advantages: avoiding probate, managing distribution of assets, and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your death. However, you might wonder if there are any benefits trusts provide to the living? The short answer is “Yes.” Texas trust attorneys have been working diligently to advise clients about the merits of...
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5 Things You May Not Know About Special Needs Trusts in Texas
Garden-variety estate planning will not get the job done when you have a child with special needs. You want to provide financial security for your child’s future, but if he inherits assets directly from you when you die, he might lose his eligibility for public assistance programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)....
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Are Pet Trusts Available in Texas?
Yes, Texas law does allow people to plan for the care of their pets through pet trusts and other estate planning tools. A Texas pet trusts attorney can help you create the right documents to ensure that your beloved cats, dogs, and other pets will have the care they need in the event...
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Using Trusts for Minors in Estate Planning
Minors cannot receive inheritances or property. Therefore, it is important to include provisions with an estate plan for a minor’s interest. Trusts are excellent tools for managing a minor’s interest in an estate until the minor is an adult. A Texas wills and trusts attorney can help you determine which type of trust...
How Does a Gun Trust Work?
Do you own guns in Texas? Are you interested in purchasing Title II firearms restricted by the National Firearms Act (NFA)? If so, you may want to discuss a gun trust with a Texas gun trust lawyer. A gun trust allows you to protect your guns during and after your lifetime without the...
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