Timeshares have come a long way since they first arrived in the real estate market back in the ’70s. In the early days of timeshare ownership, high-pressure sales tactics, exceedingly vague contracts, and inflexible scheduling policies caused many people to quickly regret such purchases. Over time, however, timeshares have become more consumer-friendly with greater transparency […]
Probate
Dying in a Foreign Country from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
The death of a loved one can be one of the most disorienting life events. But if a loved one dies while traveling in a foreign country, the emotional and bureaucratic burdens can multiply exponentially. Contact the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs If foreign local authorities report a death to a US embassy or […]
A Tale of Two Celebrities from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
The death of an iconic figure can sometimes impact us deeply because it reminds us of our shared humanity. With a celebrity’s passing, we realize that death is an equalizer. It also reminds us of the importance of estate planning to protect a person’s money and property. Estate planning is not reserved for those with […]
What if My Beneficiary Dies First? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
When planning for death, most people assume they will die before their beneficiaries (e.g., their spouse, children, and grandchildren). While these assumptions are often well-founded, they do not always come to pass. Sometimes a beneficiary of an estate or trust dies before the person leaving the inheritance. If this has happened to you, you may […]