Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Whether this is your first home, an upgrade, or you’re downsizing, purchasing a new home is a big event in your life. When these major life changes occur, it is important that you are properly prepared. Below are a few things for you to consider now that […]
Estate Plan
A Beloved Author’s Legacy – A Tidy Estate from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
Michael Bond, who passed away back in June of 2017, was an author and the creator of the adventurous, sweet and captivating character, Paddington Bear. Bond created the marmalade-loving bear from the “darkest Peru” in the late 1950’s out of his memories of refugee children in the Second World War. He wondered what would happen if […]
Scam Warning: Beware Phony Home Contractors from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
All too often we hear of some new con method scammers have come up with. The most recent tactic in the Austin area has been home improvement scams. Mr. Jason Lugo of Mr.512 Handyman & Hauling, a locally owned construction and hauling company, has had firsthand experience with this scam in the Austin area.
The plot of the scam usually develops as follows: A “contractor” will come to your door and claim they were already in your neighborhood, maybe doing work for a neighbor. They often target senior citizens. They will tell you that they have noticed damage to the outside of your home or that you are in need of some general upkeep of your home (i.e. replace your gutters or siding). The “contractor” will usually then have you sign a contract and make a down payment for the job you agree to, and leave, with you never seeing or hearing from them again.
How to Leave Assets to Adult Children from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
When considering how to leave assets to adult children, the first step is to decide how much each one should receive. Most parents want to treat their children fairly, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they should receive equal shares of your estate. For example, it may be desirable to give more to a child who is a teacher than to one who has a successful business, or to “compensate” a child who has been a primary caregiver.