Common Estate Planning Mistakes, Estate Planning

Should I Name My Executor As The Beneficiary of My Financial Accounts?

I received an email from a client over the weekend that alarmed me. So much so that called them on a Sunday afternoon to make sure remedial…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

What Rights to Beneficiaries of Transfer on Death Deeds Have During the Homeowner’s Life?

A Texas transfer on death deed is a beneficiary designation for your home. It works like a beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy or a…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning

Should I Name My Estate as the Beneficiary of my IRA?

A client was confused. He knew that the federal estate tax only applied to estates in excess of $11 million, so he didn’t understand why significant taxes…

Odds and Ends

Can a Small Estate Affidavit Transfer Title to Homestead Property?

A small estate affidavit is a legal document that can be used to transfer property to heirs without a formal probate. Heirs can take advantage of…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning, Financial Powers of Attorney, Incapacity

Avoiding Guardianship in Old Age

A few weeks ago, a client alerted me to an episode of the John Oliver show about guardianships gone wrong. A guardian is someone appointed by…

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 Dying Without A Will, Intestacy

Will The State Get My Property If I Die Without A Will?

Everyone needs a Will. A Will allows you to dictate how your property will be distributed after you die. If you don’t have a Will, you lose…

Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

Does Your Insurance Policy Name Your Ex-Spouse As a Beneficiary?

Suppose you have a life insurance policy issued as part of an employee benefit plan which identifies your spouse as your primary beneficiary and your adult daughter…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Five Reasons Why Parents of Young Children Need Estate Planning

If you are a parent of young children, getting your estate plans in order can help you ensure that your minor children will be protected in the…

The Risk of DIY Planning, Wills

If I Write My Own Will, Do I Need A Lawyer To File It For Me At The Courts?

The title of this post came from a question I received last week. It’s one of many questions I receive each week that show significant confusion about…