The Risk of DIY Planning

The Problem with LegalZoom (And Other Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Solutions)

LegalZoom markets itself as an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney. As a result, many individuals choose LegalZoom over professional legal services, believing that its documents will…

Requirements of a Valid Will, Wills

What are the Requirements of a Valid Will in Texas?

Texas attorney Rania Combs discusses the statutory requirements of a valid holographic Will and a valid typewritten Will in Texas.

How Property Distributed When Someone Dies Without A Will

What Happens If You Die Without A Will in Texas?

If you die without a Will in Texas, referred to as dying intestate, your property will pass according to the Texas intestacy laws, a rigid formula set…

FAQs About Wills

What is a Holographic Will?

A holographic Will is a handwritten Will. And there have been some strange ones. For example, can you imagine writing your will on your bedroom wall? How…

Financial Powers of Attorney

What is a Texas Durable Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney is a written document that authorizes another person, known as an agent, to engage in specified business, financial and legal transactions on…

FAQs About Wills

What is a Self-Proving Affidavit?

A self-proving affidavit is a sworn statement that accompanies a Will. In the case of an attested Will, the testator and all witnesses sign it in the…

The Risk of DIY Planning

LegalZoom vs. Lawyer: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

LegalZoom and other do-it-yourself document preparation services want you to believe that the process of preparing a Will is as easy as filling in the blanks on…

Special Needs Trusts

Estate Planning for Special Needs Children

Estate planning is important for all families, but especially so for families with a special needs child.  This is because without appropriate estate planning, a well-meaning parent…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Planning for Special Circumstances

Why Do I Need a HIPAA Authorization?

What is HIPAA? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a Federal law that required the establishment of national standards to protect the privacy…