If you have established a revocable living trust (which we will refer to simply as a trust), congratulations! You are on the right track in creating a comprehensive estate plan. However, you are only halfway there. Many people believe that because they took the time to create a trust, their estate will automatically avoid probate, […]
Trust
What to Do with Grandma’s Ring: Dividing Personal Property in an Estate from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
If you have a beloved late grandmother, many images and memories may come to mind when you reminisce about her. You might picture her at her home or at the family vacation house during the holidays. Your memory could be a special meal that only she prepared for you or a place she took you […]
Can Someone Else Pay for My Estate Plan? From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult should have an estate plan, yet surprisingly, most Americans do not. The perceived cost of creating one is among the most cited reasons for a lack of estate planning. Having somebody else pay for your estate plan can help with cost-related concerns. However, the consequences […]
The Perils of Joint Property Ownership from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
People often set up bank accounts or real estate so that they own them jointly with a spouse or other family member. The appeal of joint ownership, specifically with survivorship rights, is that when one owner dies, the other owner(s) will automatically inherit the property without it having to go through probate. Also, joint property […]