Estate Planning Resources

Articles and guides to help you understand your options for protecting your family and your assets in Texas and North Carolina.

Time is of the Essence with Estate Planning

“I don’t plan to die next week,” my clients often tell me. They convince themselves there is no urgency in completing or finalizing their estate plans. The truth is with estate planning, time is of the

Will Distributions from ABLE Account for Food or Shelter Reduce SSI Benefits?

What is an ABLE Account? An ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account is a type of savings account for individuals with disabilities and their families. The account allows individuals with disabilities to save money

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas ABLE Accounts

Barrack Obama signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience “(ABLE”) Act into on December 19, 2014. It requires each state to pass its own ABLE Act. Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas ABLE Act on

Estate Planning for Your Graduate

If you are the parent of a high school senior about to graduate, you’re probably feeling a whirlwind of emotion right now. I know I am. My youngest child is scheduled to graduate in May!

Is The Will I Signed In Another State Valid in Texas?

I have written before that a move to another state can trigger a need to update your will. It’s not necessarily because the move invalidates the will. Generally, a will signed in accordance with the

Do I Need a Lawyer to Probate a Will in Texas?

“Will it be necessary to hire a lawyer to go through probate?” That’s a question I get each week from Texans who have lost friends and family members. Often, the decedent’s Will appoints them as

‘Tis the Season for Scams

A man who introduced himself as Alex called last week. I was on another call, so I let the call go to my voicemail. He didn’t leave a message but kept calling back. When my

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

An Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document that summarizes the deceased person’s family history and the identity of their heirs. Although it is not a formal adjudication like probate is, an affidavit that is

Who Are Your Beneficiaries?

Who are your beneficiaries? When was the last time you updated your beneficiary designations? If you’re like most Americans, it’s probably been a really long time! I recently updated my own estate plan. As part

Is There a Difference Between an Executor and an Administrator of an Estate?

When a person dies and probate is necessary, a court will appoint a personal representative to oversee the winding up of the decedent’s affairs. Executors and administrators are both classified as “personal representatives” of the

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