Estate Planning Resources

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

Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…” – Leona Helmsley

Leona Helmsley is often referred to as the “Queen of Mean”, but her dog might disagree. During her life, she dressed her Maltese Terrier, Trouble, in pricey outfits, including a diamond collar, and fed him

How Often Should I Update My Will?

Life Changes Can Result In Unintended Consequences, Even For Those With Wills Many years ago, I read an essay entitled “second-chance family” that reinforced the importance of keeping a Will updated. It was written by

Why Should My Will Include a Self-Proving Affidavit?

Attorney Rania Combs discusses how a self-proved Will can speed up the probate process and save time and expense.

What is a Self-Proving Affidavit?

A self-proving affidavit is a sworn statement that accompanies a Will. In the case of an attested Will, the testator and all witnesses sign it in the presence of a notary. The self-proving affidavit affirms

If Lawyers Aren’t Perfect, Why Aren’t DIY Wills Good Enough?

A reader submitted a comment to my article titled “LegalZoom vs. Lawyer: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You.” This reader’s view of lawyers had been shaped by his experience in a protracted divorce proceeding.

Why Do People Use Lawyers To Prepare Their Wills?

Attorneys use years of schooling and experience to advise you on the best way to accomplish your estate planning goals. DIY services do not.

Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Mistake Disinherits Child

An attorney can help you understand the ramifications of your estate planning choices to achieve your estate planning goals and objectives.

You May Need More Than A Simple Will

A lawyer can advise you on how to accomplish your estate planning goals, and tailor your estate planning documents to carry out those goals.

Texas Extends Rule Against Perpetuities to 300 Years

The Rule Against Perpetuities is the bane of every first-year law student’s existence. It provides: no interest is good unless it must vest, if at all, no later than 21 years after some life in

Intestacy Can Be A Nightmare In Blended Families

I get panicked calls virtually every week from Texans whose spouses have died without a Will. The stories are usually quite similar. The spouses lived together in a home they purchased together during their marriage.

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