Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Keeping the Peace from Beyond the Grave

It’s every parent’s dream to maintain close relationships with all their children as they age. But sometimes, things don’t turn out as parents plan. The reasons vary. A…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Prepare for the Death of the Stretch IRA

No laws affecting retirement plans are final yet, but there are certain changes on the horizon that may require tweaks to your estate plans. The Setting Every Community…

Choosing a Guardian, Estate Planning

Can I Name a Relative Who Lives Abroad as Guardian of My Children?

A colleague in a listserv to which I subscribe asked an interesting question: Can parents name a relative who lives in a foreign country as guardian of…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

What are the Rights and Responsibilities of a Life Tenant in Texas?

In Texas, life tenant has important legal rights and responsibilities when occupying property under a life estate. Understanding these key legal insights helps ensure compliance with Texas law…

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…

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…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning, Newsworthy

Where there’s a Will…

A few weeks ago, a journalist emailed me to ask if she could interview me for an article she was writing. The article she wrote appeared in the…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Can I Change My Will Before My Divorce is Final?

There is a Texas statute that prohibits Courts from entering any orders that prevent parties in a divorce proceeding from changing his or her Will. Section 253.001 of…

Common Estate Planning Mistakes, Estate Planning

Should I Name My Executor As The Beneficiary of My Financial Accounts?

I received an email from a client over the weekend that alarmed me. So much so that called them on a Sunday afternoon to make sure remedial…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

What Rights to Beneficiaries of Transfer on Death Deeds Have During the Homeowner’s Life?

A Texas transfer on death deed is a beneficiary designation for your home. It works like a beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy or a…