Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Who Makes Medical Decisions in Texas If There Is No Medical Power of Attorney?

If you become incapacitated in Texas and haven’t signed a Medical Power of Attorney, state law determines who can make medical decisions on your behalf. The law is…

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, siblings inherit only if a spouse, descendants, or parents do not survive the deceased person. When there is a…

FAQs About Wills

Can I Make Handwritten Changes To a Typewritten Will?

Many people assume they can make simple handwritten changes to a typed Will—cross out a name, add a line, initial the change, and be done. But under Texas…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

Designing a Trust if Asset Protection is Your Goal

Attorney Rania Combs explains how to design a spendthrift trust for beneficiaries if asset protection is your goal.

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Trapped Inside Your Body: Would you Choose to Live?

As someone who helps people plan their end-of-life wishes, I often discuss advance directives with clients to prepare for situations when they can’t speak for themselves and loved…

Special Needs Trusts

Special Needs Trusts FAQs: Answers for Parents of Children with Special Needs

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, a special needs trust (SNT) should be an essential part of your estate planning. Without one, leaving…

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Understanding and Managing Beneficiary Designations: A Critical Component of your Estate Plan

Estate planning isn’t just about having a well-drafted will or trust. One of the most important yet frequently overlooked aspects is the proper management of beneficiary designations. These…

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Choosing the Right Healthcare Agent: Lessons from The Pitt

I recently started watching The Pitt, a new medical drama now streaming on Max. The second episode of the series had a storyline that illustrated the importance…

FAQs About Wills, Probating a Will

Can a Convicted Felon be an Executor in Texas?

Yes, Texas law allows a convicted felon to serve as an executor if certain conditions are met. In the past, Texas law disqualified anyone with a felony conviction…

FAQs About Trusts

How a Spendthrift Trust Safeguards Inheritances

A spendthrift trust is a powerful estate planning tool that can help safeguard inheritances for beneficiaries who may be prone to poor financial decisions. Whether due to immaturity,…