Estate Planning Resources

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

Who Makes Medical Decisions in Texas If There Is No Medical Power of Attorney?

Explains the statutory process for medical-treatment consent in Texas when no guardian or medical-power-of-attorney agent is available, and why naming an agent provides more control.

Who Can Make Funeral Arrangements in Texas When There Isn’t a Will?

Identifies the people who may control funeral arrangements in Texas when no written designation exists, the statutory order of priority, and the deadlines for acting.

Estate Planning for Intangible Treasures

An ethical will is a nonbinding letter, recording, video, or audio message used to pass family values, life lessons, stories, traditions, and love to future generations.

Does Property Passed by Transfer on Death Deed Receive a Step-Up in Basis?

The article explains that Texas property transferred by a transfer on death deed at the donor’s death should receive a step-up in basis while bypassing probate.

What to Do With Your Estate Planning Documents After You Sign Them

After signing estate planning documents, store the originals securely, tell key people where they are, fund any revocable trust, review beneficiary designations, and revisit the plan periodically.

How to Settle an Estate When Someone Dies Without a Will in Texas

When someone dies without a will in Texas, the family is left with loose ends: a house still in the deceased person’s name, a bank account that is frozen, and title companies and banks asking

Who Can Apply for Probate and Serve as Executor in Texas?

This article explains who may apply to probate a Will in Texas, who has priority to serve as Executor or Administrator, and which qualifications and disqualifications apply.

How to Avoid Probate in Texas

This article explains how Texas residents may avoid or reduce probate through beneficiary designations, joint ownership, Transfer on Death Deeds, funded trusts, and coordinated planning for out-of-state property.

Estate Planning for Alzheimer’s

The article explains how people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another condition that may cause incapacity can use Texas estate planning documents to protect their financial, medical, and end-of-life wishes while they still have decision-making capacity.

How to Protect Seniors from Financial Fraud

The article explains common senior financial scams and discusses using a Revocable Living Trust and a prepaid Visa card with spending controls to help protect older adults.

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