Estate Planning

An outright inheritance for a spouse can leave children without assets, while a trust or direct bequest may help preserve an inheritance for them.

The article explains how love scams can financially exploit seniors and offers warning signs and protective steps involving relationships, bank activity, cognitive decline, estate planning documents, and powers of attorney.

Federal law generally requires a surviving spouse to inherit a 401(k) unless the spouse waives that right during the marriage.

In Texas, jointly owned property does not automatically pass to a surviving spouse unless it is held with rights of survivorship or arranged through specific beneficiary and transfer-on-death designations.

A Texas joint bank account does not automatically pass to a surviving spouse unless the account includes written survivorship rights.

This article explains that beneficiaries receive property through a Will or Trust, while heirs inherit under state intestacy laws when someone dies without a Will or Trust.

The article explains why unmarried and other non-traditional families need Wills and regularly updated beneficiary designations to protect partners and children.

The article explains how conflict with a stepparent can affect a blended family’s inheritance and emphasizes using a properly drafted Will, a neutral executor, and secure Will storage.

In Texas, real estate purchased with an inheritance during marriage may remain separate property if the inherited funds are kept traceable and separate from community assets.

The article explains why deeding a home to children before death can create risks involving control, taxes, Medicaid eligibility, creditors, and unexpected heirs, and discusses wills, trusts, and Ladybird Deeds as alternatives.