FAQs About Dying Without A Will, Intestacy

Will My Surviving Sibling Inherit My Entire Estate If I Die Without A Will?

I was contacted recently by a man I’ll call Jack, whose uncle had just passed away. Jack’s uncle was single, his parents had predeceased him, and…

Financial Powers of Attorney

Does A Durable Power Of Attorney Need To Be Notarized?

To be effective in Texas, a durable power of attorney must: be in writing signed by an adult name an agent or attorney in fact expressly provide that…

Probating a Will

What Are The Duties of An Executor?

When a person dies and probate is necessary, a court will appoint a personal representative, called an executor or administrator, to oversee the winding up of the…

Probating a Will

Independent Administration Simplifies the Probate Process

Probate has gotten a bad reputation as being expensive and causing delays. As a result, many people try to avoid it at all cost. In many states,…

Financial Powers of Attorney

Is It Necessary to File A Durable Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney gives you the power to appoint a trusted family member or friend as an agent to manage your finances if you are…

How Property Distributed When Someone Dies Without A Will

The Rigidity of the Intestacy Statutes

I received an email this week from a grieving and very frustrated man. He lost his wife this month after sixteen years of marriage. Both he…

Questions About Estate Tax

The Future of the Estate Tax

NB: This article was published on July 25, 2012 and contains information that may be outdated. For current information regarding the estate tax, read: Estate Tax Certainty…For…

FAQs About Trusts

Should I Designate My Children’s Guardian as Beneficiaries of My Life Insurance Policy?

I spoke to a young mother several weeks ago who wanted information on how to legally name a guardian for her minor children. She explained that…

FAQs About Estate Planning, FAQs About Probate

Will My Estate Be Responsible For My Student Loans?

Statistically, having a bachelor’s degree doubles your lifetime earning potential. But that degree often comes with a high cost, which most families are unable to afford…

FAQs About Dying Without A Will

Why Do I Need A Will?

Each state has a vested interest in the orderly transfer of property after someone dies. It’s so important, in fact, that if you don’t have a will, the…