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

The article explains why people should promptly create, sign, and complete their estate planning documents to protect loved ones during incapacity or after death.

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

Explains how the article treats ABLE-account distributions for food and shelter under SSI in-kind-support-and-maintenance rules, and notes contribution-limit considerations.

Estate Planning for Your Graduate

The article explains why high school graduates entering college should sign a Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and HIPAA Authorization and discusses digital storage for those documents.

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

A Will signed in another state may remain valid after moving to Texas, but updating it can help take advantage of Texas probate procedures, including independent administration and self-proving affidavits.

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

This article explains why Texas executors generally need a lawyer to probate a Will and identifies limited exceptions involving a muniment of title or an affidavit of heirship.

‘Tis the Season for Scams

This article describes a holiday phishing scam and explains four common scam signs, ways to avoid fraud, and where to report attempted scams.

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

An Affidavit of Heirship identifies a decedent’s heirs and may offer a less expensive alternative to probate for transferring real estate, but it has important limitations.

Who Are Your Beneficiaries?

The article explains why regularly reviewing beneficiary designations matters, including their effect on probate, Wills, minor beneficiaries, and revoked trusts.

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

A Texas executor is named in a valid Will, while an administrator is appointed by the probate court when the decedent did not leave a Will; both manage assets, pay claims, and distribute property.

Say What? Trust Terminology Defined

This article defines common trust terms, including grantor, trustee, beneficiary, principal, revocable and irrevocable trusts, pour-over Wills, testamentary trusts, and spendthrift clauses.

Search

Topics

Ready to get started?

Let's Create a Plan That Works for You

From simple wills to complex trust plans, clients consistently note Rania’s responsiveness, clarity, and care throughout the process.

Get a Free Consultation