When people think about creating an estate plan, they may think it just involves getting a set of forms that convey their wishes regarding their finances, health, and what will happen to their stuff when they die. Although the documents that comprise an estate plan may seem like simple forms, these important estate planning tools […]
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Corporate Transparency Act Imposes New Small Business Reporting Requirements for 2024 from Austin Business Planning Attorney John Glode
The new year rang in more than holiday cheer for small business owners who will now have one more item on their compliance to-do list. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA),[1] enacted as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, places new reporting requirements on many business entities. The law seeks to expose illegal activities, […]
What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or piece of property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally distribute any remaining items inadvertently left over during the estate or trust administration process to a named […]
Inspiring Action: The Guide to Creating or Updating Your Estate Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Creating or revising an estate plan can feel overwhelming, causing many people to procrastinate. Those procrastinators are among friends, as roughly 2/3 of Americans currently do not have any form of estate plan. However, the longer you put it off, the more potential there is to be caught unprepared in an emergency. So how can […]
What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Most Americans carry a certain amount of debt during our lifetimes, from unsecured credit card debt, to more substantial debt like a mortgage. When you pass away, your debts are an issue which must be addressed. What happens to your debts often depends on the type of debt and the state where you live. Debts […]
What Is the Difference Between a Probate and Trust Administration Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Estate planning attorneys and probate and trust administration attorneys play crucial but distinct roles in the legal processes involving legacy planning, asset distribution, and wealth preservation. As part of the estate planning process, you should discuss with your attorney the role they will play during your lifetime and whether they can also assist your loved […]
What Happens to My Twitch Account When I Die? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
In the digital age, our online presence extends beyond social media. Platforms like Twitch, where users engage with live-streamed content, present unique considerations when it comes to estate planning. Do you know what happens to a Twitch account after an individual passes away? If you die and a loved one needs to take care of […]
Celebrating International LEGO Day from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Mark your calendars: January 28 is International LEGO day, which celebrates the date when the patent for the globally famous plastic brick system was filed. Since the 1940s, people have been creating their own worlds, brick by brick, with LEGOs. With an estate plan, you can help your loved ones build a great future. Make your […]
Watch Out for Stolen Items in Your Loved One’s Estate from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Your family member went through a meticulous estate planning process to organize and distribute money and property for the benefit of their loved ones, including you. But you may suspect that some of the high-value items in their estate originated as stolen property. The possibility of discovering stolen items within an estate is often overlooked, […]
I’m a Survivor … and Now I Have My Own Trust? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two subtrusts: a […]