Estate Planning Resources

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

Does an IRA Beneficiary Designation Override a Will?

An IRA generally passes according to its beneficiary designation rather than a Will, unless no beneficiary is designated or the estate is named as beneficiary.

How To Talk With A Friend Who Is Sick

The article offers guidance for supporting a friend or family member with a life-threatening illness by listening, maintaining dignity, and avoiding minimizing comments or unsolicited medical advice.

Can a Comatose Patient Communicate End-Of-Life Wishes?

The article examines research suggesting fMRI scans may detect communication from some patients in vegetative states and considers whether that could include end-of-life wishes.

How Do I Revoke a Living Will?

A Directive to Physicians, often called a living will, can be revoked by destroying it, signing a written revocation, or orally communicating the decision, but the attending physician must be notified.

How Do I Revoke a Durable Power of Attorney In Texas?

This article explains how to revoke a durable power of attorney in Texas, including the different considerations when it has been used or recorded in court records.

Don’t Forget To Coordinate Beneficiary Designations

The article explains why beneficiary designations and jointly owned assets must be coordinated with a Will because some assets pass outside the Will.

Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…” – Ray Fulk

Ray Fulk, an Illinois recluse with an estate worth about $1 million, left his property to actors Kevin Brophy and Peter Barton despite never meeting them.

What Is The Difference Between A Living Will And A Last Will and Testament?

A Living Will directs end-of-life medical treatment, while a Last Will and Testament controls property distribution and may name guardians and create trusts after death.

Is Probate Necessary to Transfer Title to a Vehicle?

The article explains that, in some Texas cases, heirs may transfer a deceased person's vehicle title without probate by using an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle.

Estate Tax Certainty…For Now

This historical article explains how the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 established a 40 percent federal estate tax rate, a roughly $5.25 million 2013 exemption, portability between spouses, and no automatic sunset provision.

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.

Get a Free Consultation