Estate planning is important for everyone. However, if you are building your business, there are additional reasons why you need a comprehensive estate plan. The type of business you are building can have a significant impact on the provisions included in your estate plan. A Read more . . .

For many people, their plans for their final estate are a private matter that they do not wish to share with other individuals. Therefore, they may be concerned to know that most probate matters are public record in Texas. A matter of public record is open for viewing by any interested person. If you wish your estate to remain private, you might want to speak with a Read more . . .

The goals for an estate plan of any size are typically protecting assets for heirs, avoiding the probate process whenever possible, providing for loved ones, charitable giving, and avoiding estate and gift taxes. High-net-worth estate planning poses several challenges for an individual. However, working with a Texas estate planning attorney to develop a strategy using various estate planning tools can accomplish your goals for an estate plan.
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If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you might be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. Disability benefits are designed to assist disabled individuals to pay for basic living expenses when they cannot work. However, you have several hurdles to overcome before you are eligible to receive disability benefits. A Read more . . .

It’s a good practice to review your estate plan after a major life event, including marriage. Newlyweds who have estate plans when they get married should review those plans to ensure that the plans still reflect their desires now that they are married. For newlyweds who do not have an estate plan, working with a Texas estate-planning lawyer to develop an estate plan is an important step in preparing for their future lives together.
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Many people think of digital assets in terms of bitcoin or other digital forms of currency. However, your digital assets encompass a wide variety of accounts, including accounts related to banking, shopping, entertainment, emails, and social media. What happens to your digital assets when you die? Unfortunately, without an estate plan, these assets could be lost forever. A Read more . . .

Federal bankruptcy exemptions and most state bankruptcy exemptions protect most retirement funds from creditor claims. Many states also have laws protecting retirement accounts from creditor claims outside of a bankruptcy case. However, inherited IRAs may not always qualify for the same protection from claims. A Read more . . .

A living trust can be a valuable estate-planning tool that can meet many of your estate-planning goals and needs. With a living trust, you can protect assets, avoid probate, reduce the taxable value of your estate, and provide for loved ones. A living trust may also provide other benefits depending on your situation and needs. However, you should also discuss a will with a Texas wills and trusts lawyer.

Why Do I Need a Will If I Have a Living Trust?

There are a few reasons why you need a will, even though you have a living trust.
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If you are the executor or personal representative of an estate in Texas, you have several important duties. The executor has a fiduciary duty to perform the tasks necessary to probate the state and to protect the best interests of the heirs. If you are unsure of what you need to do as an executor, a Texas estate planning lawyer can help you.
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A Family Limited Partnership (FLP) is a valuable estate planning tool for many individuals and families. An FLP is not limited to wealthy individuals and high-net-value estates. With an FLP, you can accomplish many of the estate planning goals that are important to you with one estate planning vehicle. A

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A will is one of the basic estate planning documents that every adult should have to ensure their final wishes are carried out after their death. Also, a will prevents the State of Texas from deciding how to distribute a person’s property after that person’s death. An individual may want to consult a Texas wills and trusts lawyer when drafting a will to ensure that the will meets all legal requirements for a valid will in Texas.
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