Resources

Is It Necessary to File A Durable Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney gives you the power to appoint a trusted family member or friend as an agent to manage your finances if you are…

The Rigidity of the Intestacy Statutes

I received an email this week from a grieving and very frustrated man. He lost his wife this month after sixteen years of marriage. Both he and…

The Future of the Estate Tax

NB: This article was published on July 25, 2012 and contains information that may be outdated. For current information regarding the estate tax, read: Estate Tax Certainty…For Now.

Should I Designate My Children’s Guardian as Beneficiaries of My Life Insurance Policy?

I spoke to a young mother several weeks ago who wanted information on how to legally name a guardian for her minor children. She explained that she…

Will My Estate Be Responsible For My Student Loans?

Statistically, having a bachelor’s degree doubles your lifetime earning potential. But that degree often comes with a high cost, which most families are unable to afford without…

Why Do I Need A Will?

Each state has a vested interest in the orderly transfer of property after someone dies. It’s so important, in fact, that if you don’t have a will, the…

Who Can Contest a Will In Texas?

According to Section 55.001 of the Texas Estates Code, any person interested in an estate can contest a will. The Estates Code defines an “interested” person as:…

Does a Will Need to be Notarized in Texas?

In Texas, Wills do not need to be notarized to be valid.  However, the required formalities of a valid Texas Will differ depending on whether the will is…