Estate Planning, Questions About Estate Tax

The State of the Estate Tax After Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. It represents the most significant tax overhaul in decades. Although efforts by the…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

The Risks of Living in Denial of Early Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Last week, I discussed the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and the fact that because symptoms progress slowly, many family members live in denial until…

Planning for Special Circumstances

What Are the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can develop slowly over a number of years, which sometimes makes it easy to mistake them for normal, age-related cognitive decline…

Odds and Ends

A Season of Peace

Texas is the home of a diverse population, so in addition to working with clients whose families have lived in Texas for generations, I’ve also had the…

Probating a Will

Where Should A Will Be Probated In Texas?

According to Section 33.001 of the Texas Estates Code, a will should be admitted to probate in the Texas county where the decedent was domiciled or…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can a Minor Child Witness a Medical Power of Attorney?

“My mom has a power of attorney that was witnessed by someone under 18,” she said. “Is it valid?” The Texas statutes specify that a medical power…

The Risk of DIY Planning

DIY Planning Can Be a Nightmare!

A couple of weeks ago, I received a phone call from a woman whose ex-boyfriend had died, naming her as the sole beneficiary and executor of his…

Financial Powers of Attorney, Incapacity

When Can a Financial Institution Reject a Durable Power of Attorney in Texas?

Effective September 1, 2017, a person to whom a durable power of attorney is presented must accept a durable power of attorney except unless: The person is…

Financial Powers of Attorney, Incapacity

Recent Changes to Durable Power of Attorney Statute

The legislature made several beneficial changes to the Durable Powers of Attorney statute that went into effect on September 1, 2017. Below are a few of the…

Financial Powers of Attorney, Incapacity

Is A Financial Institution Required To Accept A Durable Power Of Attorney?

Before September 1, 2017, financial institutions routinely rejected durable powers of attorney for a multitude of reasons. A colleague once told me that a bank rejected her client’s…