Resources

Beware of Love Scams

Is your elderly parent or grandparent involved in a new relationship with someone significantly younger? If so, beware. Thanksgiving may be a good time for you to…

Can I Name Someone Other Than My Spouse As Beneficiary Of My 401(k)?

A concerned relative contacted me. Her cousin had been married for eight years before her recent death. Her deceased cousin had a son from a prior marriage.

Is it Possible to Avoid Probate in Texas without a Revocable Trust?

I have written before that Texas has one of the most simplified probate processes in the country. If a testator instructs in his will that there…

Living Life to the Fullest!

As an estate planning attorney, I’ve had the great privilege of working with many individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. Although elderly and sometimes…

Do I Need to Execute a Lady Bird Deed before Applying for Medicaid?

A concerned daughter called me recently. She said she needed a Lady Bird Deed prepared by the end of the day. When I asked why she was…

Can I Authorize a Relative to Make Medical Decisions for my Minor Child?

I recently received a note from concerned grandparents. Their daughter had died, and their son- in-law worked twelve hours a day, seven days a week, and was…

Can a Bank Reject a Valid Power of Attorney?

NB: The following post reflects old law. Effective September 1, 2017, the Estates Code requires financial institutions to accept powers of attorney unless one or more enumerated grounds…

Can I Fight the Intestacy Laws?

I received a note recently from someone asking if it was possible for her to fight the intestacy laws. She and her husband had been married for 31…