Estate Planning Resources

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

Will Transferring My Homestead to a Revocable Trust Prevent Me From Qualifying For Medicaid?

Discusses how placing a Texas homestead in a revocable trust can affect the article's stated Medicaid-resource treatment and compares probate-avoidance alternatives such as a transfer-on-death or Lady Bird deed.

What are Valid Reasons to Contest Will in Texas?

Explains common grounds for contesting a Texas Will, including improper execution, lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, and fraudulent inducement, as well as who may have standing.

Must a Court Honor Parents’ Appointment of Guardian?

Explains that a Texas court generally gives substantial effect to a parent's guardian designation, but may reject the nominee if the person is disqualified, unwilling, or not in the child's best interests.

Is Married Beneficiary’s Interest in a Trust Separate or Community Property?

Explains why principal distributed from a trust is generally separate property in Texas, while the characterization of trust income can depend on the beneficiary's right to demand it and trustee discretion.

Who Will Take Care of My Pets After I Die?

Explains how an estate plan can provide for pets after incapacity or death by naming caregivers and alternates, leaving funds for care, or creating a Texas pet trust.

How is an Out-Of-Hospital DNR Different from a Directive to Physicians?

Compares a Texas Directive to Physicians, which expresses end-of-life treatment wishes, with an out-of-hospital DNR order that directs emergency personnel not to attempt specified resuscitative measures.

Can I Name a Relative Who Lives Abroad as Guardian of My Children?

Texas law may allow a relative living abroad to serve as guardian of a child, but parents should also name a U.S.-resident alternate because court decisions can vary.

Is Property My Spouse and I Owned in Another State Community Property or Separate Property?

The article explains how the law of the state where spouses acquired property can determine whether an out-of-state home remains separate or community property for division at death after they move to Texas.

What are the Rights and Responsibilities of a Life Tenant in Texas?

This article explains the rights of Texas life tenants to possess, use, and earn income from property, along with their duties to maintain it, pay expenses, and avoid waste.

Do I Need To Record My Trust in Texas?

In Texas, a trust generally remains a private document rather than being recorded with the Secretary of State, while an affidavit or certification of trust can verify the trustee’s authority.

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