Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives
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
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
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
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
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
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…
When I suggest Crummey Trusts to clients, I often get a confused reaction: “Why would I want a crummy trust?” they ask. Despite the misleading name, Crummey…
Estate Planning, FAQs About Estate Planning
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…
Estate Planning, Questions About Estate Tax
Under federal tax law, the person making a gift (the donor) is responsible for any federal gift tax due—not the recipient (donee). The gift’s recipient (the donee) does…
Trusts
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…