Estate Planning Resources

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

Say What? Probate Terminology Defined

You’re here because a loved one has died, and suddenly you’re hearing words like “heirship,” “letters,” and “inventory.” We lawyers use a lot of technical words when we talk about probate because legal precision is

Guidance For Trustees of Special Needs Trusts

Families caring for a person with a disability make many decisions that affect benefits, quality of life, and financial security. Good information reduces stress and helps you avoid costly mistakes. The Special Needs Alliance website

What is a Crummey Trust?

When I suggest a Crummey Trust to clients, I often get a smile and a puzzled look. “Why would I want a crummy trust?” they ask. Despite the name, a Crummey Trust is a practical

Can a Convicted Felon be an Executor in Texas?

Before 2023, Texas law disqualified anyone with a felony conviction from serving as an executor. But, that changed because of an amendment 2023 amendment to Section 304.003 of the Texas Estates Code. Now, a person

The Problem With LegalZoom (Part 2) – Inaccuracies Corrected But Problem Remains

A couple of weeks ago, I published a blog post entitled The Problem With LegalZoom (And Other Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Solutions) which highlighted some of the pitfalls of relying on do-it-yourself document preparations services. The

A Guide to Understanding the Texas Durable Power of Attorney and North Carolina Durable Power of Attorney

This article explains, in plain terms, what a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is, when it begins, when it ends, and what it allows an agent to do. It also clarifies why a Durable Power

Understanding Applications to Determine Heirship in Texas?

When a person dies without a valid will in Texas, families are left to sort out a whole lot of loose ends. A house that is still in the decedent’s name. A bank account that

The Five Basic Estate Planning Documents Every Adult in Texas Needs

When some people hear the words “estate planning,” they picture a mansion or significant wealth. But estate planning is not just about making sure your property gets to the people you love after you die.

Don’t Let Outdated Estate Planning Documents Haunt You

Our lives are constantly changing. If you’ve gotten married or divorced, welcomed a child, lost a loved one, moved to a different state, bought a new home, opened a new account, or it’s simply been

Estate and Gift Tax Changes for 2026

Congress recently passed sweeping legislation, which includes many changes to tax policy, spending, and entitlement programs. One of the most significant changes for estate planning is an increase in the federal estate and gift tax exclusion.

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.