While watching a movie or reading a book about wealthy individuals and their families, you may have come across terms such as “heir,” “descendant,” and “next of kin.” Though made-for-Hollywood storylines use these terms interchangeably, words describing familial relationships have distinct definitions. Using the correct terms is critical in wills, trusts, and other legal documents […]
Will
Planning Tools for Unmarried Couples from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
The number of marriages in Texas has been in steady decline for years. The reasons for this vary, but it hardly means love or romance is dead. Most young couples choose instead to cohabitate, effectively acting as a married couple without the formality of a ceremony or even creating a common law marriage. Yet, these […]
Disinheriting a Child from Your Plan from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
One common storyline in Hollywood movies is the rich father disinheriting the family outcast. The story usually traces a child’s attempts to win their family back. But can fiction imitate reality? Can you actually disinherit a child? In most circumstances, the answer is yes you can disinherit a child in most states. However, you must […]
What if No One Wants My Estate? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
A critical question to ask yourself when creating an estate plan is who will get your stuff when you pass on? People often think of an estate in relation to the larger assets (such as homes, retirement accounts, savings), and personal property (i.e. jewelry, clothing, sports equipment, vehicles, and other possessions are often overlooked). The […]