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 Every Estate Have To Pay An Estate Tax?

Most clients I work with voice concern about the amount of federal estate taxes that their families will have to pay after their death. They have heard about the “death tax” and worry that the

What are the Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust in North Carolina?

A Revocable Living Trust is a tool that helps North Carolina families keep control of their property while they are alive and well, transition management of their affairs if they become incapacitated, and transfer property

How to Avoid Probate in Texas

Avoiding probate is something many families in Texas think about long before anyone gets sick or dies. It is not really about courts or paperwork. It is about wanting things to be as easy as

What are the Requirements of a Valid Trust in Texas?

When clients ask whether a trust might be right for them, one of the first things we talk about is what actually makes a trust valid under Texas law. Many people assume trusts are complicated

Common Terminology in Wills and Estate Planning

Lawyers use a lot of terminology when talking about Wills and estate planning, assuming that everyone knows what they mean. It can feel awkward to ask for clarification, even when the terms matter. The short

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

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