Odds and Ends

An Empty Nest

I remember standing in the checkout line at Babies-R-Us more than 23 years ago. My first baby was just a couple of weeks old, sleeping soundly on my…

Estate Planning

Will Distributions from ABLE Account for Food or Shelter Reduce SSI Benefits?

What is an ABLE Account? An ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account is a type of savings account for individuals with disabilities and their families. The account…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

When Is It Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?

Heirs can use a small estate affidavit to transfer property without a formal probate only in situations when: The deceased person died without a Will; At least 30…

FAQs About Trusts

What are the Requirements of a Valid Trust in Texas?

Statutory Requirements for a Valid Trust For a Trust to be valid in Texas, it must meet the following requirements: 1. The Settlor must have a…

Requirements of a Valid Will

Does a Typewritten Will in Texas Need Witnesses If It is Notarized?

To be valid, a typewritten Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, even if they it notarized. Unfortunately, her mother didn’t know that. Her mother…

FAQs About Dying Without A Will, Intestacy

Can An Adopted Child Inherit From Biological Parents?

Attorney Rania Combs explains whether adopted children can inherit from both biological parents and adoptive parents under the Texas Intestacy Statutes.

Estate Planning, Retirement and End of Life Care, Uncategorized

How to Talk with Someone who is Grieving

Attorney Rania Combs provides some helpful tips for navigating conversations with someone who is grieving after the loss of a loved one.

Uncategorized

Similarities and Differences between Lady Bird Deeds and Transfer on Death Deeds

Both Lady Bird Deeds and Texas Transfer on Death Deeds are essentially beneficiary designations for your real estate.  Lady Bird Deeds are a product of common law, whereas Transfer…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Below are answers to a few FAQs about the Texas Transfer on Death Deed along with quick links to get you to the information you are seeking:…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in North Carolina?

North Carolina attorney Rania Combs discusses the statutory requirements of valid Wills in North Carolina.