FAQs About Wills

What is a Self-Proving Affidavit?

A self-proving affidavit is a sworn statement that accompanies a Will. In the case of an attested Will, the testator and all witnesses sign it in the…

FAQs About Wills

Can A Parent Disinherit An Adopted Child?

A woman’s adoptive father was dying. She was worried, but not about what you’d expect. You see, her father inherited a piece of family land from her…

FAQs About Wills

Definitions of Common Terms in Wills

Lawyers use a lot of words when talking about wills, assuming that everyone knows their meaning. But I realized early on that many people outside the…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

Is A Fill-In-The-Blank Will Valid in Texas?

John was just about to go on vacation. He wanted to have a Will in place in case a tragic accident occurred. So, he did what many…

FAQs About Wills, Planning for Special Circumstances

The Characterization of Property in Texas

I have written before that the characterization of property as separate or community dictates who inherits property when a married person dies without a Will in…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

Can I Change My Will Before My Divorce is Final?

Couples who are happily married make different estate planning choices than couples who are separated and heading towards divorce. Happily married couples generally create Wills that protect…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

Will Having a Will Help me Avoid Probate?

I received a note this week from someone who was confused. A friend’s husband had died leaving a Will that gave his wife a house he owned…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

Will Signed Before Marriage Doesn’t Make Provision for Spouse

A widow contacted me this week. Her husband of 19 years had recently passed away. She found a Will he had signed before they met leaving everything…

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…

FAQs About Wills

What is a Testamentary Trust?

A testamentary trust is a dormant trust created in a Will.  It lies dormant until the death of the person creating it springs it to life.  Unlike…