Estate Planning, Odds and Ends, Uncategorized

Beware the Rise of Voice Cloning Scams

Cybercriminals are using AI to mimic the voices of our family members. Learn how to protect yourself from voice-cloning scams.

Uncategorized

What is a Miller Trust?

A Miller Trust, or qualified income trust, is an irrevocable trust that allows individuals qualify for Medicaid long-term care services, such as nursing home care, when they earn…

Special Needs Trusts

Special Needs Trusts FAQs

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, your estate planning should include a special needs trust. Closeup of mother holding her children hand.

Probating a Will

Who Can Apply for Probate in Texas?

Usually, a person a testator nominates as executor in a Will applies for probate, but not always. The Texas Estates Code provides that any interested person can…

FAQs About Wills

What is a Holographic Will?

A holographic Will is a handwritten Will. And there have been some strange ones. For example, can you imagine writing your will on your bedroom wall? How…

Estate Planning, Questions About Estate Tax

How Much Money Can I Give Without Paying Gift Tax?

Under our nation’s federal tax regulations, it is the person making a gift (the donor) who is responsible for any federal gift tax that is due. The…

Uncategorized

What Is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)?

An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or “ILIT” is an irrevocable trust that own life insurance.  Historically, Americans have used ILITs as a vehicle to make gifts to beneficiaries…

FAQs About Trusts, Trusts

What is a Crummey Trust?

When I tell some of my clients they should consider Crummey Trusts for their beneficiaries, there is typically an awkward pause. “Why would I want to create…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can Physicians in Texas Withhold Life Support Against Patient’s Wishes?

Most of the time, Directive to Physicians are signed by patients who do not want their lives prolonged by life-sustaining treatments; however, sometimes the situation is reversed. For…

Choosing a Guardian

Who Will Raise My Children if I Die Without Naming Guardians?

The thing that drives most young parents to plan to make a will is not their stuff, but who will take care of our minor children if…