Estate Planning, Retirement and End of Life Care

How is an Out-Of-Hospital DNR Different from a Directive to Physicians?

A directive to physicians, also known as a living Will, is a document that allows you specify what kind of life-sustaining treatment should be administered or withheld…

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…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

Is Property My Spouse and I Owned in Another State Community Property or Separate Property?

John and Jane Doe didn’t always live in Texas. Earlier in their marriage, they lived in another state, where John purchased a house the couple lived in…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

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

A life tenant is a person who has the right to possess real property for the term of a measuring life. The measuring life is typically the…

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…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

Do I Need To Record My Trust in Texas?

In Texas a trust is not a legal entity. Rather, it is a legal relationship in which a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can I Appoint My Own Guardian In Case I Become Incapacitated?

A power of attorney can generally eliminate the need for a guardianship; however, a guardian may sometimes be required despite having a Texas medical power of…

The Risk of DIY Planning, Wills

Is Your Will Valid?

Her husband died a couple of months ago. She found what appeared to be a Will in his desk drawer. He had typed it up, signed it,…