Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Can I Use a Transfer on Death Deed to Transfer My Car Without Probate?

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed allows owners of real estate to transfer their property to beneficiaries outside the probate process. The Deed works like a…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Will Your Surviving Spouse Disinherit Your Children

I have written before that if you are part of a blended family, making an outright distribution to your spouse may result in your children from…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

Beware of Love Scams

Is your elderly parent or grandparent involved in a new relationship with someone significantly younger? If so, beware. Thanksgiving may be a good time for you to…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Can I Name Someone Other Than My Spouse As Beneficiary Of My 401(k)?

A concerned relative contacted me. Her cousin had been married for eight years before her recent death. Her deceased cousin had a son from a prior marriage.

Estate Planning, Retirement and End of Life Care

Living Life to the Fullest!

As an estate planning attorney, I’ve had the great privilege of working with many individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. Although elderly and sometimes…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Do I Need to Execute a Lady Bird Deed before Applying for Medicaid?

A concerned daughter called me recently. She said she needed a Lady Bird Deed prepared by the end of the day. When I asked why she was…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Will Jointly Owned Property Automatically Pass to My Spouse When I Die?

A lot of people mistakenly assume that all jointly-held property automatically passes to a surviving spouse when one spouse dies. That is not necessarily the case. Jointly-held…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning, FAQs About Wills, Wills

Have You Reviewed Your Will Lately?

I always schedule a document review conference with my clients before they sign their Wills. It gives my clients the opportunity to ask questions they may have…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Does Property Passed by Transfer on Death Deed Receive a Step-Up in Basis?

When someone receives a gift, the recipient of the gift is not responsible for reporting the value of any gifts as income. Rather, it is the gift-giver,…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

Before You Pack

My family is going on vacation the end of June. It’s a trip we’ve been planning for more than six months, and we’re looking…