Receiving news that you need major surgery is never easy. Preparing for work absences, planning for childcare and household responsibilities, and understanding the procedure itself and your recovery timeline may be among the things you are worried about. If you have only a short time (weeks or days) to react, focusing on the essentials is […]
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More Than Just Legal Documents: Why I Became an Estate Planning Attorney by Katlyn Winters
At Nielsen Law, we know legal matters—especially involving life, death, and finances—can feel intimidating. Many imagine estate planning as a cold, transactional process full of confusing legal jargon. We believe it should be the opposite: a warm, empowering journey that brings peace of mind. To share our firm’s heart, Attorney Katlyn Winters answers common questions […]
Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Costly Unintended Consequences from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
One goal of estate planning is to ensure assets, including your home, pass to chosen beneficiaries quickly and inexpensively. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate is adding others to the title of the property, such as a spouse, children, or other beneficiaries. Many who use this strategy are banking on using the […]
Why Receiving an Inheritance Changes Your Estate Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Receiving an inheritance can be meaningful and transformative, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage assets, face creditor or tax issues, or lack the financial experience needed to preserve and grow their inheritance. A well-designed estate plan helps anticipate and reduce these […]
When Your Parent Plans to Disinherit Your Sibling from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Family strife is horrible for everyone involved, and often spills over into estate planning, with hurled threats of “I’ll cut you out of my will” not uncommon for feuding families. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having family conflict lead to estranged loved ones and changes estate plans, know these changes often […]
Why Retirement Is the Right Time to Revisit Your Estate Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Enjoying retirement means many different things to different people. For some, it opens a new world of travel, experiences, and creative pursuits. For others, it may mean quiet days at home with a good book, tea, or coffee, and no plans for weeks. Between those extremes are many ways to spend post‑working years. Like work itself, […]
The Power of Ethical Wills from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
What do you hope to leave behind for your loved ones? Beyond the financial aspect, how do you want your legacy to be felt and remembered? These questions lie at the heart of every estate plan and inform discussions about what someone plans to leave behind: homes, savings, heirlooms, and other assets. However, the most meaningful […]
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Incapacity and Guardianship from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
While many proactive individuals understand the importance of a comprehensive estate plan, they often assume it only addresses what happens after death. Yet, a comprehensive estate plan is for more than after a loved ones passing. It can address questions and help family navigate the confusing and sometimes chaotic time known as incapacity. Thus allowing […]
Stress Test Your Estate Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Creating an estate plan is a major accomplishment, but signing the documents is not the end. You still need to ensure your strategy provides peace of mind and protects your hard-earned legacy. An estate plan is a living tool that should evolve with your life. Over time, family changes, financial shifts, and new goals can affect […]
Knowing When to Remove a Trustee from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
The title of trustee implies that this position should be held by someone you find trustworthy, and for good reason. Serving as a trustee of a trust carries significant responsibility and duty not just to you as the trust’s creator but also to the beneficiaries who depend on accurate, faithful administration. While being named a […]