The most common stated goal of estate planning is to avoid probate. While a relatively straightforward process in Texas, probate can be somewhat costly and does require a time investment. Finally, when probating a will, that information becomes a matter of public record, all of which most people prefer to avoid. Whether or not your estate […]
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 truth […]
If a loved one has recently died or become mentally incapacitated, finding the person’s Will and other estate planning documents is essential. These documents are critical to making decisions on the loved one’s behalf, gaining access to accounts, and discovering your deceased loved one’s wishes regarding how to distribute the individual’s money and property. Properly prepared […]
Owning real estate continues to be a very popular investment for individuals and couples alike. One attractive feature that investment property can also double as a personal residence. In other cases, real estate investments may be rental, recreational, commercial, or farm properties. Whatever the case, it is important to understand that real estate can be owned […]
With our society becoming increasingly mobile and international travel becoming more affordable than ever before, families and family-like relationships have steadily grown far more diverse in terms of citizenship. It is no longer uncommon for spouses from different countries to retain citizenship in their homelands. Many couples split their time between the United States and another […]
According to data provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1.9% of all infants born in the United States in 2018 were conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART).[1] ART is defined by the CDC as all fertility treatments in which both eggs and embryos are handled. It can involve a number of procedures, the […]
We live in a litigious society. Unfortunately, even family members sometimes file lawsuits because they are dissatisfied with what their parents or loved ones leave them in a will or trust. Some are so disgruntled that they decide to contest or challenge the validity of a will or trust, which can delay its administration for years […]
COVID-19, often referred to as coronavirus, has been all over the news—and with good reason. As of April 13, 2020, there were over 570,000 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, and more than 23,000 deaths, according to Wikepedia. We should all care for our neighbors, our communities, and ourselves by staying home, washing our hands […]
Preparing for one’s passing is stressful enough, but it can be aggravated by worries regarding the validity of a will. Individuals want to ensure that they are leaving something behind for their loved ones, and it would be impossible to properly distribute their property if the court does not find their will to be valid. Today, […]
After the 2018 passing of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, her family and lawyer initially thought she had died without a will. But earlier this year, three handwritten wills — two from 2010 that were locked in a cabinet and one from 2014 that was hidden under a couch cushion — were found in Franklin’s home […]
