Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Who Makes Medical Decisions in Texas If There Is No Medical Power of Attorney?

If you become incapacitated and do not have a Texas Medical Power of Attorney, state law determines who can make medical decisions on your behalf. The law is…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

Can I Create an Asset Protection Trust for Myself in Texas?

Amendments to the Texas Property Code appear to create a back door to create a self-settled asset protection trust in Texas.

FAQs About Probate, Probate

Texas Small Estate Affidavit: Eligibility, Filing Process & Requirements

A Small Estate Affidavit can be a quick and cost-effective way to transfer property to a decedents legal heirs without going through formal probate in Texas when someone…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

A Texas Transfer on Death Deed is a legal document that allows you to name beneficiaries to inherit your real estate after you pass away, avoiding the need…

Requirements of a Valid Will, Wills

What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in Texas?

Texas attorney Rania Combs discusses the statutory requirements of a valid holographic Will and a valid typewritten Will in Texas.

How Property Distributed When Someone Dies Without A Will

What Happens If You Die Without A Will in Texas?

If you die without a Will in Texas, referred to as dying intestate, your property will pass according to the Texas intestacy laws – a strict legal…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Can Minor Orphans in Texas Select Their Own Guardians?

IIn Texas, minor orphans who have reached the “age of discretion”—typically 12 years old or older—have the legal ability to appoint their own guardian. This law provides…

Trusts

The Power of Beneficiary Deemed Owner Trusts for Retirement Assets

If you have a large retirement asset that you intend to pass to your beneficiaries in trust, consider updating your estate plan to include Beneficiary Deemed Owner Trusts…

FAQs About Probate

Is It Always Necessary to Probate a Will in Texas?

It is necessary to probate a Will in Texas when the estate includes assets titled in the decedent’s name. A person who dies typically has two classes of…

FAQs About Wills

Can I Make Handwritten Changes To a Typewritten Will?

Handwritten changes a Testator makes before signing a typewritten Will are valid; however, handwritten changes made after signing a Will be disregarded unless the Testator observes all the…