FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can Physicians in Texas Withhold Life Support Against Patient’s Wishes?

Most of the time, Directive to Physicians are signed by patients who do not want their lives prolonged by life-sustaining treatments; however, sometimes the situation is reversed. For…

Choosing a Guardian

Who Will Raise My Children if I Die Without Naming Guardians?

The thing that drives most young parents to plan to make a will is not their stuff, but who will take care of our minor children if…

Uncategorized, Wacky Wills, Wills

Even Ancient Egyptians Wrote Wills!

Last July, I stumbled upon an ancient Will while visiting the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. As an estate planning lawyer, I was delighted.  Will of Naunakhte The Will, written…

Choosing a Guardian

How to Name a Guardian For Your Children

The part of estate planning that most parents struggle with is naming a guardian for their children. For some parents, the process of selecting a guardian is…

Financial Powers of Attorney

Can An Incapacitated Person Make or Revoke a Durable Power of Attorney?

Generally, you can amend your durable power of attorney by signing a new durable power of attorney. You also have the right to revoke or terminate your durable…

FAQs About Probate

What Happens if I Inherit a House with a Mortgage?

If you have inherited a house with a mortgage, you may be wondering what your options are. This is especially the case in light of today’s high…

Odds and Ends

An Empty Nest

I remember standing in the checkout line at Babies-R-Us more than 23 years ago. My first baby was just a couple of weeks old, sleeping soundly on my…

Uncategorized

What Is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)?

An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or “ILIT” is an irrevocable trust that own life insurance.  Historically, Americans have used ILITs as a vehicle to make gifts to beneficiaries…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

When Is It Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?

Heirs can use a small estate affidavit to transfer property without a formal probate only in situations when: The deceased person died without a Will; At least 30…

FAQs About Trusts

What are the Requirements of a Valid Trust in Texas?

Statutory Requirements for a Valid Trust For a Trust to be valid in Texas, it must meet the following requirements: 1. The Settlor must have a…