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 Will in North Carolina?

North Carolina attorney Rania Combs discusses the statutory requirements of valid Wills in North Carolina.

Can Minor Orphans in Texas Select Their Own Guardians?

In Texas, minor orphans who’ve reached the age of discretion, usually 12 or older, can ask the court to appoint the guardian they prefer. The law gives children a voice in deciding who will care

How Much Money Can I Give Without Paying Gift Tax?

Under federal tax law, the person making a gift (the donor) is responsible for any federal gift tax due—not the recipient (donee). The gift’s recipient (the donee) does not have to pay any income taxes

Back to Nature: Exploring Green Burial Options

Imagine walking through a serene forest with sunlight filtering through the trees. Instead of rows of headstones and manicured lawns found in traditional cemeteries, where concrete vaults and metal caskets separate the deceased from the

Final Regulations Under SECURE Act: What You Need to Know

The IRS released the final regulations to the SECURE Act on July 18, 2024. Although regulations mostly mirror the 2022 proposed regulations, they include some clarifications and changes. Below is a summary of the most

How Much Insurance Do I Need to Protect My Family?

When discussing factors to consider when selecting a guardian, I wrote that it is your responsibility to ensure that a guardian has the financial means necessary to support your children in the event the unthinkable

The Council of Dads

One thing that motivates many parents to make a will is the desire to designate guardians who will raise their children if the unthinkable happens. And yet many parents delay getting their wills drafted because

Estate Planning for the Unexpected

I read an article last week that served as a sobering reminder of why it’s crucial to plan for the unexpected. The article was about a Pennsylvania couple vacationing in Florida with their six children.

Is It Always Necessary to Probate a Will in Texas?

It is necessary to probate a Will in Texas when the estate includes assets titled in the decedent’s name. A person who dies typically has two classes of assets: probate assets and non-probate assets. Why

Beware the Rise of Voice Cloning Scams

Cybercriminals are using AI to mimic the voices of our family members. Learn how to protect yourself from voice-cloning scams.

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