Odds and Ends

‘Tis the Season for Scams

A man who introduced himself as Alex called last week. I was on another call, so I let the call go to my voicemail. He didn’t leave a…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Who Are Your Beneficiaries?

Who are your beneficiaries? When was the last time you updated your beneficiary designations? If you’re like most Americans, it’s probably been a really long time!I…

FAQs About Trusts

Say What? Trust Terminology Defined

Lawyers use a lot words when talking about trusts, often assuming that everyone knows their meaning. But in speaking to clients and friends, I realized that many…

FAQs About Probate

Is There a Difference Between an Executor and an Administrator of an Estate?

When a person dies and probate is necessary, a court will appoint a personal representative to oversee the winding up of the decedent’s affairs. Executors and administrators…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

What Happens to Social Media Accounts after a User’s Death?

I know someone who uses Facebook as somewhat of a digital diary. She regularly shares photos and stories that document her daily life, major life events, and milestones. Her feed…

FAQs About Wills

Should I Add a No-Contest Clause to My Will?

One section of the estate planning questionnaire I send my clients asks them to rate their level of concern about various issues. One issue about which most indicate…

Planning for Special Circumstances, The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families

Estate Planning in Blended Families

According to a Pew Research Study, more than 4 in 10 Americans are part of a blended family.  And while 7 in 10 are…

Uncategorized

Estate Planning for Pets

This is my dog, Jilly. She’s a 15-pound mutt my family adopted 11 years ago. When we adopted her, we suspected she was a terrier mix, but she’s…

What To Do When Someone Dies Without A Will

What is a Small Estate Affidavit?

Occasionally, people die without a Will but have very little in terms of probate assets. They may have owned a modest home, and had a small checking…

How Property Distributed When Someone Dies Without A Will, Intestacy

What are the Inheritance Rights of Half-Siblings When Someone Dies Without a Will?

When someone dies without a Will in Texas, the deceased person’s property is distributed according to a statutory formula found in the Texas Estate Code. According to…