Estate Planning Resources

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

Can The Beneficiary Of My Estate Also Be My Executor?

I’ve received several emails the past few weeks asking whether it is possible for a beneficiary of an estate to also serve as executor. Naming someone as the executor of your estate does not preclude

If You Are A Part of A Blended Family, You Need A Will

I got an email from someone whose husband died without a Will. She and her husband had been married for 17 years. He had three children from a prior marriage, and they had one child

What is the Tax Consequence of Selling Property I Inherit or Receive As A Gift?

Several weeks ago, I received a phone call from a client whose elderly mother owned several pieces of real estate in an exclusive part of town. She had purchased the property decades ago for very

Growing Number of Americans Choosing Cremation

If you have decided to be cremated when you die, you’re one of a growing number of Americans making that choice. I came across an interesting infographic today titled Ashes to Ashes, which illustrates how

Don’t Keep Your Heirs in the Dark

If you or someone you know has been a beneficiary of an estate, you may have been exposed to the frustration and disagreements that can occur when details of an estate plan are kept secret

Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm… “Rona Scroratow

NB: This post is part of a series highlighting wills that contain some interesting, and sometimes bizarre, bequests and stipulations. You can see all these posts here. The great thing about having a Will is that

How Can I Protect an Inherited IRA from Creditors?

If you’re like most Americans, one of your largest assets is your Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”). Your IRA is considered a “retirement fund” and the money it contains is  protected from creditors who seek to recover

Living Trust Scams

Many of us have seen advertisements touting the benefits of a living trust. Salespersons who promote living trusts claim they can reduce taxes, protect assets from creditors, and reduce the time and expense of probate, seemingly

Going Out With A Bang

Cremation is increasing in popularity. Currently more than 40 percent of people who die choose cremation, and the numbers are rising. According to recent reports more than 50 percent of Americans will chose cremation by

Can I Add a Self-Proving Affidavit to a Holographic Will?

I have written before about the benefit of adding a self-proving affidavit to an attested Will. Doing so typically save time and expense because it eliminates the need that sworn testimony from witnesses will be

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