FAQs About Wills

What Types of Wills are Recognized In Texas?

Texas recognizes two types of written Wills. An attested Will is the most common type of Last Will and Testament. To be valid, it must…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

The Importance of Estate Planning in Non-Traditional Families

I got a heartbreaking call this week from a woman whose fiancé had recently died. They had been a couple for many years, and…

FAQs About Estate Planning

What Is An Estate?

Many years ago, a neighbor’s teenaged daughter asked me what type of law I practiced. When I told her I focused on estate planning,…

FAQs About Probate

What To Do When Someone Dies In Texas

I get phone calls and emails each week from people who are grieving the death of a family member. They’re often confused and overwhelmed…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can I Sign a Medical Power of Attorney for Someone Else?

I got a phone call from a man last week seeking information on how to revoke a Medical Power of Attorney. After talking to…

Wacky Wills

Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…: Billy Standley

NB: This post is part of a series highlighting wills that contain some interesting, and sometimes bizarre, bequests and stipulations. You can see…

FAQs About Estate Planning, Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Will My End-of-Life Wishes Be Honored if I am Pregnant?

Erick Munoz’s nightmare began on November 26 when he found his wife, who was 14 weeks pregnant, lying unconscious on their kitchen. Although she was rushed to…

FAQs About Probate

Who is Qualified to Serve an Executor or Administrator of an Estate?

Section 304.003 of the Texas Estates Code identifies persons who are disqualified from serving as Executor or Administrator of an estate. This Section provides that a…

Probating a Will

Can a Non-Resident Serve as Executor of My Estate?

Ideally, we would all live near our loved ones. However, the reality of our global economy is that family members often live in another…

Financial Powers of Attorney

Can An Agent Use Principal’s Money to Purchase Real Estate for Herself?

Last week, I received a note from someone who was serving as her 97 year old mother’s attorney in fact. She wanted to cash…