Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

A Poor Prognosis? Call Your Estate Planning Lawyer!

I worked with a young couple last year. Both were in good health. They were happily married, had two small children, and were busy balancing their careers…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

Do I Need To Record My Trust in Texas?

In Texas a trust is not a legal entity. Rather, it is a legal relationship in which a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can I Appoint My Own Guardian In Case I Become Incapacitated?

A power of attorney can generally eliminate the need for a guardianship; however, a guardian may sometimes be required despite having a Texas medical power of…

The Risk of DIY Planning, Wills

Is Your Will Valid?

Her husband died a couple of months ago. She found what appeared to be a Will in his desk drawer. He had typed it up, signed it,…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

What are the Responsibilities and Duties of a Trustee of a Testamentary Trust?

Wills sometimes create testamentary trusts, trusts that spring to life after the death of a testator. When a testator includes a testamentary trust in his Will,…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

Can an Independent Executor Alter How my Property is Distributed?

A man who was named independent executor in a Will called me. Someone told him that as the independent executor, he had the right to distribute Testator…

Odds and Ends

Will a Joint Account Pass to the Surviving Owner Outside of Probate?

The way multiple party account pass after the death of a joint account holder is determined by statute. Multiple party accounts that are held with rights of…

Odds and Ends

How Can I Protect My Disabled Sister From Neglectful Family Members?

I received a heartbreaking letter from someone concerned that her 60 year old old sister, who was in a terrible accident a year ago that left…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Is an Attorney Absolutely Required for Estate Planning?

I received a new client application requesting information about how to set up a power of attorney and Will. The person who submitted the application said she…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Do I Have to Name My Children as Medical Power of Attorney?

She had two adult children, but her niece was more like a daughter to her. Her niece was also a nurse, who she believed would be better…