Resources

Can an Independent Executor Alter How my Property is Distributed?

A man who was named independent executor in a Will called me. Someone told him that as the independent executor, he had the right to distribute Testator…

Will a Joint Account Pass to the Surviving Owner Outside of Probate?

The way multiple party account pass after the death of a joint account holder is determined by statute. Multiple party accounts that are held with rights of…

How Can I Protect My Disabled Sister From Neglectful Family Members?

I received a heartbreaking letter from someone concerned that her 60 year old old sister, who was in a terrible accident a year ago that left…

Is an Attorney Absolutely Required for Estate Planning?

I received a new client application requesting information about how to set up a power of attorney and Will. The person who submitted the application said she…

Do I Have to Name My Children as Medical Power of Attorney?

She had two adult children, but her niece was more like a daughter to her. Her niece was also a nurse, who she believed would be better…

Where there’s a Will…

A few weeks ago, a journalist emailed me to ask if she could interview me for an article she was writing. The article she wrote appeared in the…

Can I Change My Will Before My Divorce is Final?

There is a Texas statute that prohibits Courts from entering any orders that prevent parties in a divorce proceeding from changing his or her Will. Section 253.001 of…

How Will My Property Be Distributed If I Die Without A Will Before My Divorce is Final?

If you and your spouse are planning to divorce, you probably wouldn’t want your property distributed to him or her if you died while your divorce is…