The probate courts provide crucial oversight during estate administration. The courts help ensure that heirs receive their inheritances when an individual dies without a will. They can also take action when the beneficiaries of an estate assert that the personal...
Estate Planning
Starting a conversation with aging parents about medical POAs
Planning for the future can be difficult, sometimes especially when it comes to making healthcare decisions for aging parents. Many families avoid discussing medical power of attorney (MPOA) options until a crisis forces the issue. Unfortunately, waiting too long can...
How do I choose a guardian for my child?
When a child enters the family parents often want to do everything they can to protect their child. An important step towards better ensuring this protection is designating a guardian in your estate plan. This decision can safeguard your children's future should...
What is an executor’s fiduciary duty?
Somebody has to take charge of an estate when a testator dies -- and that's usually the executor that they named in their will. The executor is responsible for following the instructions left in the will and managing the settlement of an estate. Every executor is...
3 steps when selecting an agent for power of attorney
There are many reasons why people may want to draft powers of attorney. A college student leaving home for school may want to empower a family member who lives nearby to handle their affairs in an emergency. Those dealing with chronic or progressive medical conditions...
Who has the capacity to create a will?
Establishing a will is generally beneficial for adults of all ages and life situations. Some people draft wills after having children to protect their progeny from a tragic scenario. Others establish wills when they achieve professional success, start small businesses...
An estate inventory is a crucial part of probate
A personal representative manages the deceased person's estate in Texas probate proceedings. This role can be filled by an executor (if named in the will) or an administrator (if there is no will or the named executor cannot serve). A vital part of this job involves...
Surprise heirs and the importance of estate planning
Romantic and intimate relationships can be very complex. People may remain married for decades but may also pursue secondary relationships outside of their marriages. Typically, women have a difficult time hiding children conceived outside of marriage from their...
How can you prove undue influence during estate administration?
Inheritance disputes are an unfortunate but common occurrence during estate administration. When a loved one dies, emotions can run high, and disagreements about the division of assets may arise. One of the common reasons for contesting a will is the belief that the...
Are digital or electronic wills valid in Texas?
There are many different tactics for estate planning, and many people approach the process aiming for simplicity. They want to do things as easily and quickly as possible with minimal expense. Creating a simple will is usually the most basic solution for estate...
