Retirement does not mean your estate plan is set in stone. Your life continues to change, and so should your plan. Acquiring new assets, facing health changes or shifts in family dynamics can make updates necessary. Taking a fresh look at your documents can prevent...
Estate Planning
How does a blended family complicate estate planning?
Estate planning in Texas can be challenging for blended families, which often include children from previous marriages and stepchildren. These family dynamics can make decisions about inheritance and asset distribution more complicated. Understanding how a blended...
Does my spouse get everything? A Texas estate planning myth
A prevalent assumption in Texas is that a surviving spouse automatically inherits the entirety of their deceased partner's property. This belief, however, is a common and potentially devastating myth. In the absence of a will, a situation known as dying "intestate,"...
Will vs. revocable trust: Which is right for your Texas plan?
When planning your estate, the choice between a will and a revocable trust is a foundational decision. While a will is essential for every parent to name guardians for minor children, a revocable trust offers distinct advantages for managing assets. This is especially...
3 places to look for a will after a parent dies
When a parent dies, their surviving children often have a challenging process ahead. They have to plan a memorial service or funeral. They also need to administer the estate of their deceased parent in many cases. That process usually begins with locating the will of...
How long-term care planning can help people leave a larger legacy
During estate planning, the goal is often to leave as much as possible for beneficiaries. Testators plan in advance to minimize taxes and preserve their most valuable resources from creditor claims. They may even take on co-owners or make transfer-on-death...
Strategies to minimize estate taxes in Texas
When you pass away, estate taxes can significantly reduce the value of the assets you leave behind. However, you can take steps to reduce the tax burden on your estate. By understanding and utilizing these strategies, you can safeguard your hard-earned assets and...
Why do people draft transfer-on-death deeds?
Real estate holdings are often a priority consideration during estate planning. People's homes, cabins and investment properties may be among their most valuable assets. They may want to prevent their loved ones from fighting over those resources after they die. They...
What could go wrong if I made my own estate plan?
An estate plan is more than just a will. It is a mix of legal tools that help distribute assets and guide healthcare and financial decisions in the event of incapacitation. While the idea of drafting your own might seem appealing due to cost savings and convenience,...
Stepchildren can be an incentive to draft a will
Every testator has their own reasoning when they decide to draft an estate plan. Business owners may want to protect their organizations by choosing the next owner and establishing a succession plan. People facing medical challenges may want to draft advance...
