FAQs About Wills

What is a Holographic Will?

A holographic Will is a handwritten Will. And there have been some strange ones. For example, can you imagine writing your will on your bedroom wall? How…

Estate Planning, Questions About Estate Tax

How Much Money Can I Give Without Paying Gift Tax?

Under our nation’s federal tax regulations, it is the person making a gift (the donor) who is responsible for any federal gift tax that is due. The…

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 Trusts, Trusts

What is a Crummey Trust?

When I tell some of my clients they should consider Crummey Trusts for their beneficiaries, there is typically an awkward pause. “Why would I want to create…

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…