Studies[1] have shown that the largest contributing factors to generational loss of wealth are a lack of communication and trust among family members and the failure to prepare heirs.[2] Often, fear is what underlies the lack of communication and trust that inevitably leads to unprepared heirs. The following are some of the fears that prevent […]
Family
To Have, but Not to Hold? Common Law Marriage and Estate Planning From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Marriage as a legal institution has taken a variety of forms throughout history. As society evolves, how we identify marriage in our society also changes. While not lawful everywhere, in Texas a couple may be deemed married without having participated in judicial or religious ceremonies. These marriages are called common law marriages. Their existence creates […]
Why Is My Trust Document So Long? From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
When you met with an attorney a few weeks ago, perhaps all you expected was a simple will. Maybe you thought that, with your situation, the work should be easy and the documents should be few. But now that you have finished working with the attorney, your parting gift is a large binder filled with […]
The Rights of Illegitimate Children from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Despite what some believe, children born to unmarried parents are commonplace. Historically, children in this category have been treated poorly by both society and the law. In many cases, they had no right to inherit from either parent. This legal scheme eventually changed and provided means for these children to inherit from their mothers, but […]