Estate Planning Resources

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

Newsworthy

The Virtual Law Practice

The article discusses how virtual law practices use technology to make legal services more accessible, convenient, and affordable, along with predictions about the future of eLawyering.

October 3, 2011
Rania Combs

Trusts

When Should I Use a Revocable Trust?

This article explains how revocable trusts may help Texas residents with out-of-state property, potential incapacity, or concerns about a Will contest.

September 19, 2011
Rania Combs

Wills

When Equal Is Not Equitable: How To Give One Child Less

The article explains ways parents can leave children unequal inheritances while communicating their reasons and reducing the risk of resentment or a legal challenge.

September 12, 2011
Rania Combs

Intestacy

The Price of Not Having a Simple Will

A financial columnist’s family experience shows how dying without a Will can cause costly probate complications, family conflict, and unintended inheritance results.

August 22, 2011
Rania Combs

Incapacity

Incapacity Can Happen At Any Age: Be Prepared

Incapacity can happen at any age, and without a Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and HIPAA authorization, loved ones may face costly legal obstacles when managing medical and financial affairs.

August 15, 2011
Rania Combs

Wills

Can I Make a Testamentary Gift to Someone Who Witnesses My Will?

Texas law may place a testamentary gift to a Will witness at risk, but several exceptions can preserve the gift.

August 1, 2011
Rania Combs

Estate Planning

Traditions That Keep Families Connected

A family’s Volkswagen Beetle game illustrates how intangible traditions can preserve connection and become part of a lasting family legacy.

July 11, 2011
Rania Combs

Probate and Estate Administration

Can I Transfer Property in Texas With a Foreign Will?

The Texas Estates Code may allow a will executed under the law of another state or country to be admitted to probate to transfer Texas real and personal property when the testator was not domiciled

June 20, 2011
Rania Combs

Wills

What Are The Odds That You Will Die an Untimely Death?

The article reviews 2007 U.S. death statistics for people ages 25 to 64 and explains why families should prepare for unexpected loss with basic estate planning documents.