Odds and Ends

An Empty Nest

I remember standing in the checkout line at Babies-R-Us more than 23 years ago. My first baby was just a couple of weeks old, sleeping soundly on my…

FAQs About Probate, Probate

When Is It Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?

Heirs can use a small estate affidavit to transfer property without a formal probate only in situations when: The deceased person died without a Will; At least 30…

FAQs About Trusts

What are the Requirements of a Valid Trust in Texas?

Statutory Requirements for a Valid Trust For a Trust to be valid in Texas, it must meet the following requirements: 1. The Settlor must have a…

Requirements of a Valid Will

Does a Typewritten Will in Texas Need Witnesses If It is Notarized?

To be valid, a typewritten Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, even if they it notarized. Unfortunately, her mother didn’t know that. Her mother…

FAQs About Dying Without A Will, Intestacy

Can An Adopted Child Inherit From Biological Parents?

Attorney Rania Combs explains whether adopted children can inherit from both biological parents and adoptive parents under the Texas Intestacy Statutes.

Estate Planning, Retirement and End of Life Care, Uncategorized

How to Talk with Someone who is Grieving

Attorney Rania Combs provides some helpful tips for navigating conversations with someone who is grieving after the loss of a loved one.

Estate Planning

Similarities and Differences between Lady Bird Deeds and Transfer on Death Deeds

Both Lady Bird Deeds and Texas Transfer on Death Deeds are essentially beneficiary designations for your real estate.  Lady Bird Deeds are a product of common law, whereas Transfer…

Requirements of a Valid Will, Wills

What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in Texas?

Texas attorney Rania Combs discusses the statutory requirements of a valid holographic Will and a valid typewritten Will in Texas.

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Is an Agent Named in a Durable Power of Attorney Legally Responsible for the Debts of a Principal?

An agent named in a durable power of attorney is generally not responsible for the debt of the principal unless they are a party to the debt or…

The Risk of DIY Planning, Uncategorized, Wills

Free Texas Will Forms

Estate planning is as important for small estates as for large ones. We all have the potential of becoming incapacitated. Therefore, having documents in place that allows trusted…