Estate Planning, Planning for Special Circumstances

Planning for the Unexpected

I went on a trip last month without knowing where I was going. My husband wanted to plan a surprise vacation for the family to celebrate his 50th…

Intestacy, The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families

The Consequences of an Outright Distribution to a Spouse in Blended Families

Estate planning can be complicated in blended families. If you have children from a prior relationship, making an outright distribution of your estate to your spouse may…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

Will Former Spouse Inherit Bank Account if Named as P.O.D. Beneficiary?

I received a note recently from someone whose brother had recently passed away. Her brother was divorced and had no children. He was survived by four siblings.

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Can an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Revoke a Transfer on Death Deed?

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed allows homeowners to name a beneficiary who will inherit their property after they die. It works like a beneficiary designation on a…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Would You Like a Power of Attorney with that Diploma?

It’s that time of year again. High school seniors are preparing to graduate and head off to college, and parents are wondering how it’s possible that their…

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…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

How Do I Revoke A Texas Transfer On Death Deed?

One of the benefits of a Transfer on Death Deed is that it is completely revocable during lifetime of the grantor (the homeowner making the deed). According…

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, Questions About Estate Tax

Will My Estate Have to Pay an Estate Tax?

NB: For information on the current state of the estate tax in light of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, click here. One of the biggest issues…

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

Can A Will Revoke A Transfer On Death Deed?

The Texas Transfer on Death Deed allows owners of real estate to transfer property to their beneficiaries outside the probate process. The deed works like a…