When an estate plan leaves unequal shares, has unexpected provisions, or there’s no will at all, the aftermath can ripple through families and finances with foreseeable but undesirable consequences. The absence of a will or unexpected provisions can lead to disputes that might require legal intervention to resolve, further complicating the grieving process. In these situations, if the person’s true intentions are not Read More
Probate Considerations For Blended Families
Probate considerations for blended families begin with an understanding of how the law defines family. This is important because it may be different from how you define family. This distinction impacts how your estate is distributed under Texas’s intestacy law. If your definition of family differs you will need to have planning in place that clearly identifies your wishes. We wanted to highlight some common Read More
Effective Legal Strategies For Avoiding Probate
Estate planning can include steps that allow for the transfer of assets upon death while also bypassing the probate process. It is important to understand the options for your specific assets and the difference between when these solutions are effective and when they create problems instead of solutions. With that in mind, let’s consider the ways in which you can transfer your assets without any probate Read More
Understanding Small Estate Affidavits
Managing an estate can be overwhelming when a loved one passes away without a will. Small Estate Affidavits can be a simple solution for some people in this position. However, these can only be used for estates that meet specific criteria. With that in mind, we want to elaborate on what Small Estate Affidavits are, how they can be used, and the possible issues you may run into by using them. Small Estate Read More
Wills & Appointments Of Guardians For Children
Embracing estate planning to help protect your family from unforeseen circumstances reflects a commitment to responsibility and an awareness of how quickly life can change. The laws surrounding guardianship and wills in Texas offer pathways that can assist individuals with providing a stable future for their minor children. Appointing a guardian for your children is an essential step to safeguard them when you cannot Read More
Understanding Directives to Physicians and DNRs
Navigating through complex healthcare decisions, particularly those related to life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care, demands thoughtful consideration and clear communication. Regarding Texas law, it is essential to understand what each estate planning tool means, how they are intended to be used, and what they can achieve. Today, we will examine two critical documents: a Directive to Physicians and a Do Read More
Drafting DIY Wills in Texas: An Option for Uncomplicated Estates
Estate planning is how a person expresses their final wishes so that they can be respected and upheld. While many people choose the assistance of a legal professional for this task, the State Bar of Texas has provided another option. Although it may seem odd that an estate planning firm that drafts wills is directing people not to hire an attorney, it is still in line with our belief about how important this document Read More
Estate Planning for College Students
As your child prepares to begin a significant chapter in their life, it is natural for you, as a parent, to have a wide range of emotions. While you share their excitement, you also want them to be protected. This is why addressing the often-overlooked element of estate planning for college students is crucial. Many people may not factor this into their college planning checklist because their child may have few Read More
Navigating Intestate Succession & Protecting Your Family’s Interests
Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging. This difficult time can bring legal complications when the person’s passing coincides with the absence of a will—or any other form of estate planning. In such situations, our office will guide you through the legal challenges that may surface when determining heirship. Over the past few months, we have discussed locating estranged beneficiaries when there is a will and Read More
Probating A Will After Four Years
In our previous post, we discussed what happens to a will if it gets probated within four years of someone’s passing. We looked at this through the lens of estranged beneficiaries, representing a more typical process. Conversely, there are situations where people don’t probate a will after someone has passed away. This could happen for several reasons. People do not understand what probate is or realize they need to Read More