Estate Planning Resources

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

House May Consider Estate Tax in April

A January 2010 article reports that the House Ways and Means Committee planned to consider retroactively restoring the prior year's estate tax in April.

Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…” – Samuel Bratt

Samuel Bratt’s 1960 Will left his entire estate to his wife on the condition that she smoke five cigars a day for the rest of her life.

Do I Need to File My Will?

Texas allows a Will to be deposited with the court clerk for $5, but doing so is optional and does not affect its treatment in probate.

Why Do I Need a HIPAA Authorization?

A HIPAA authorization allows a named individual to access protected medical information, including before a medical power of attorney becomes effective.

Can I Select Someone Other Than My Spouse To Make Health Care Decisions for Me?

A person may choose a family member or trusted friend rather than a spouse as a health care agent, but the agent should understand and respect their medical, religious, and moral wishes.

Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…” – Sir Walter Raleigh

Sir Walter Raleigh’s will reflected his devotion to tobacco by offering funeral attendees tobacco gifts and specifying tobacco-related items for his coffin.

Wall Street Journal Illustrates How Death of Estate Tax May Cost Heirs More

A 2010 Wall Street Journal example compared two estates and explained how the repeal of the estate tax could cause some heirs to owe more tax on appreciated stock.

Wacky Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm…”

This article introduces a Wednesday series highlighting bizarre bequests and unusual stipulations in wills throughout history.

Some Final Thoughts on Selecting a Guardian for Your Children

The article explains why parents should designate a guardian for their children in Texas, reevaluate that choice annually, and amend their Will if needed.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Guardian – Willingness to Serve

When selecting a guardian for minor children, parents should discuss the role with the prospective guardian and revisit their willingness annually as circumstances change.

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