Estate Planning Resources

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

What are the Requirements of a Valid Trust in Texas?

This article explains the requirements for creating a valid trust in Texas, including intent, capacity, written documentation, lawful purpose, trust property, a trustee, beneficiaries, and compliance with the Rule Against Perpetuities.

Common Terminology in Wills and Estate Planning

This article explains common Will and estate-planning terms involving Wills, people, property, trusts, family relationships, probate, and Will validity in plain English.

Say What? Probate Terminology Defined

This article defines common probate terms and explains how estates, probate assets, court involvement, and estate procedures differ in Texas and North Carolina.

Guidance For Trustees of Special Needs Trusts

The article explains how the Special Needs Alliance Guidebook for Special Needs Trustees helps trustees administer trusts, protect benefit eligibility, maintain records, and communicate with beneficiaries and caregivers.

What is a Crummey Trust?

This article explains how Crummey Trusts use temporary withdrawal rights to qualify gifts for the annual gift tax exclusion while providing asset protection and structured distributions.

Can a Convicted Felon be an Executor in Texas?

A 2023 amendment to Texas Estates Code Section 304.003 allows a person with a felony conviction to serve as executor if named in the Will, otherwise qualified, and approved by the court.

The Problem With LegalZoom (Part 2) – Inaccuracies Corrected But Problem Remains

This article explains that although LegalZoom corrected inaccurate information about Texas oral wills and pet trusts, its disclaimers and limited Peace of Mind Review leave do-it-yourself wills risky.

A Guide to Understanding the Durable Powers of Attorney in Texas and North Carolina

This article explains how durable powers of attorney work in Texas and North Carolina, including their authority, duration, limits, agent duties, and why they do not replace a Will.

The Five Basic Estate Planning Documents Every Adult in Texas Needs

The article explains how five Texas estate planning documents address property distribution, incapacity, medical decisions, medical information sharing, and end-of-life wishes.

Don’t Let Outdated Estate Planning Documents Haunt You

The article explains how to review wills, revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, property titles, and fiduciary appointments after life changes or several years have passed.

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