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 didn’t…

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?

 When someone receives an inheritance during marriage, one of the most common questions that follows is whether that inheritance, or anything bought with it, belongs to them alone…

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 left…

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 he…

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…