Author name: Liz Nielsen

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How Far in Advance Can I Begin My Estate Planning? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

You can create your estate plan at any time, but many people choose to begin the process sooner rather than later. Why? Because you never know when life-changing medical or financial emergencies can strike that will require someone else to manage your affairs during your lifetime. When Should You Start? When to start planning for your […]

Tools
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Estate Planning Roll Call: Important Legal Tools You Should Have from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

As with any roll call, it is important to make sure that everyone is present and accounted for. Similarly, when assessing an estate plan, several legal tools, or documents, should be in attendance to accomplish the goal of a complete and comprehensive plan. You have likely heard the term estate planning, but you may not be […]

Swedish Death Cleaning
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Swedish Death Cleaning: Decluttering Necessity from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

How much stuff is too much? Most Americans would probably admit that they own too many things. From clothes to electronics to sports equipment to collectibles, the typical US house is stuffed to the brim with items of questionable utility. On occasion, we may commit to decluttering, only to get overwhelmed or distracted. Meanwhile, the stuff keeps […]

Value
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Sometimes Stuff Is the Most Important Part of Your Estate Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

Most people usually think about who will receive their retirement and bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real estate, and other valuable possessions upon their death. However, a person’s personal property (their stuff) can also be a source of value that needs to be addressed. When looking to start or continue your estate planning journey, ask yourself […]

Lease
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What Happens to My Leased Car If I Die Before the Lease Term Ends? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

After a house, a car is often the second-most valuable piece of property a person owns. About 15–20 percent of new vehicles are leased rather than purchased and financed. Leasing is a popular alternative to traditional financing because it can allow the lessee (the person who leases a vehicle) to drive a more expensive car on a […]

Estrangement
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Limited Impact of Estrangement on Estate Planning from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

Unfortunately, rifts sometimes arise between family members that are much more serious than just temporary squabbles. The result may be estrangement, defined as “the state of being alienated or separated in feeling or affection; a state of hostility or unfriendliness” or “the state of being separated or removed.”[1] Estrangement does not mean that the relationship has […]

Co-Buying
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Beware of Unequal Contributions When Co-Buying a House from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

At a time of record home unaffordability, more people are teaming up with friends and relatives to realize the home ownership dream. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 75 percent of homes on the market now are too expensive for middle-income buyers. Just five years ago, this same income group could afford […]

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