FAQs About Probate, Probate

What are Valid Reasons to Contest Will in Texas?

His dad had been sick and weak. He didn’t even have the strength to write his own name. Nevertheless, after his father died, his stepmother produced a…

Common Estate Planning Mistakes, Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

Your Estate Plan May Need To Be Tweaked: The SECURE Act Has Passed

Rania Combs discusses how the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) may require changes to your estate plan.

Odds and Ends

Happy Holidays!

One of my favorite poems is one Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote about success. Although many in our world define success by how much money one earns, the…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Can A Minor Orphans Select Their Own Guardians?

Fortunately, most children will not be orphaned before they reach adulthood, but occasionally tragedy strikes. That’s why parent appoint guardians in a Will or Declaration of Guardian.

Choosing a Guardian, Estate Planning

Must a Court Honor Parents’ Appointment of Guardian?

The issue that drives most parents to engage in estate planning is appointing a guardian for their children. Texas gives parents to right to appoint a…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Can I Revoke A Transfer On Death Deed By Will?

Suppose you signed and recorded a Texas Transfer on Death Deed naming your girlfriend as the beneficiary of your house. You had been together for several years…

Wacky Wills

Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…: Reuben John Smith

NB: This post is part of a series highlighting wills that contain some interesting, and sometimes bizarre, bequests and stipulations. You can see all these posts here.

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

Is Married Beneficiary’s Interest in a Trust Separate or Community Property?

Texas defines separate property as property owned before marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance. For example, if you purchased a house before you were married, the house…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can Life Support Be Withheld If A Patient Has Not Signed A Directive To Physicians?

Most Americans have not executed basic estate planning documents. Studies show that more than half of Americans have not executed a basic will. Even fewer have executed…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Who Will Take Care of My Pets After I Die?

My dog’s name is Jilly. My family adopted her several months after Elway died. We weren’t really looking to adopt another pet so quickly, but we…