Believe it or not, in the U.S. it isn’t easy to disinherit your spouse. But the same is not true for other family members — generally, you can use your estate plan to disinherit your brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, or even your very own children and grandchildren. However, in the majority of […]
Probate
HELP! This Probate Is Taking Forever!!! from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take what seems like forever — between 6 and 12 months, believe it or not. The time delays create unnecessary stress. Six Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many […]
My Will or Trust is Signed, No Probate for My Family, Right? From Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s important […]
Estate Planning mistakes: Lessons Learned from Aretha Franklin from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen
When Aretha Franklin died in 2018, it would have been logical to assume that she had a well-thought-out estate plan. Unfortunately for her heirs, that was not the case. As Forbes Magazine reported, her heirs found three different wills, all handwritten. All three have been submitted to the probate court, and the court will decide […]