Planning for Special Circumstances

What Would You Do If You Had 46 Days to Live?

Imagine visiting the doctor for what you thought was a minor illness, and being told instead that you had a rare disease that would take your…

Estate Planning, The Texas Transfer on Death Deed

What Happens if the Beneficiary of my Transfer on Death Deed Dies Before Me?

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…

FAQs About Probate

Do I Have To Accept An Inheritance?

I have written about a deadbeat dad who claimed part of his deceased son’s estate, even though he had not been part of his son’s…

FAQs About Estate Planning

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning

What happens if I die without a will in Texas? If you die without a Will in Texas, the Texas statutes will determine how your property will be…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples

For many years, the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) prevented the federal government from recognizing marriages of same-sex couples. As a result, same-sex couples could…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Estate Planning for Alzheimer’s

I was recently reminded that incapacity is something that can happen at any age. Someone I know was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s disease at just…

The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families

Can Stepchildren Force a Surviving Spouse to Sell Homestead Property?

Conflicts often arise in blended families when one spouse dies. This is especially true if the deceased spouse’s children and their stepparent do not have…

Probating a Will

Is an Executor Required to be a US Citizen?

I recently received a phone call from someone whose wife was not a US Citizen. The caller wondered whether his wife could nevertheless serve as an executor…

FAQs About Dying Without A Will

Estate Planning for Divorcing Couples: What Happens if One Spouse Dies While Divorce is Pending?

A married man died recently. He had a Will which had been prepared shortly after he and his second wife got married. When their Wills were prepared,…

FAQs About Wills

Who Inherits If The Beneficiary Of My Will Dies Before Me?

Although it’s unpleasant to consider, there is a possibility that those whom you’d like to benefit in your Will may not survive you. For example, you may…