Newsworthy

Merry Christmas!

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Warmest wishes for joy, peace…

Newsworthy

Heartbroken

My seven year old sneaked into my bed last night. Under normal circumstances, I would have waited until he was asleep and taken him back to…

FAQs About Estate Planning, Questions About Estate Tax

Does Every Estate Have To Pay An Estate Tax?

I often get calls and emails from Texans concerned about the amount of federal estate taxes that will be owed after their death. They worry that…

FAQs About Estate Planning

How To Talk To Your Family About Estate Planning

Even in very close families, discussions about estate planning are uncomfortable. It’s difficult to know the right time to bring up the subject, or even what to…

FAQs About Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts

Will a Uniform Transfers to Minors Account Negatively Impact My Child With Special Needs?

Uniform Transfers to Minors Accouts (UTMA) accounts are an easy and inexpensive way for parents, grandparents and other well meaning individuals to make irrevocable gifts to minors…

FAQs About Wills, Financial Powers of Attorney

Do I Need A Will If I Have A Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney allows you to choose a person you trust to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated and can’t handle them…

Planning for Special Circumstances

The First Step is the Hardest Part

Last Monday, I took the whole day off work. I turned off my computer after making just a couple of phone calls that couldn’t wait, and…

Probating a Will

Is It Possible To Probate A Lost Will?

Probate is the legal process of proving the validity of a will. It is also commonly understood to refer to the legal process in which the estate of…

FAQs About Estate Planning

Is Real Property Purchased with an Inheritance during Marriage Separate or Community Property?

Texas is a community property state. Property is classified as community or separate property depending on when and how it was acquired. In Texas, all property…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Where Are Your Important Documents?

I got a call yesterday from a woman, who I’ll call Sue, whose mother suffered a stroke. Sue’s mom was only 67 years old. The stroke…