Imagine a situation where daughter is serving as the agent under mom’s financial power of attorney. Mom’s estate plan provides that her estate will pass 40% to daughter, 40% to son and 20% to mom’s favorite niece. The main asset in mom’s estate is a nice (and very valuable) Westlake home. In order to avoid probate on mom’s death, daughter files a lady bird deed, naming daughter and son as the only beneficiaries of the family home. Does the slighted niece have any recourse?
Living Trusts
3 Famous Pet Trust Cases and the Lessons We Can Learn from Them from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
Not long ago, pet trusts were thought of as little more than eccentric things that famous people did for their pets when they had too much money. These days, pet trusts are considered mainstream. For example: in May 2016, Minnesota became the 50th (and final) state to recognize pet trusts. But not every pet trust […]
Four Reasons Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Top 1 Percent by Austin Texas Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
There is a common misconception that estate plans are only for the ultra-rich – the top 1 percent, 10%, 20%, or some other arbitrary determination of “enough” money. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. People at all income and wealth levels can benefit from a comprehensive estate plan. Sadly, many have not sat down to put their legal house in order.
How to Share Family History and Heirlooms with Your Estate Plan from Austin Texas Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
The best time to share your family history with loved ones is right now, before the memories are forgotten. The coming holiday season is a great opportunity to reminisce because you’ll probably have your loved ones nearby.