Is there a Right Time to Estate Plan? Absolutely. When it comes to estate planning, there is no time like the present. Illness, death, and taxes are some of the few certainties about life and are also good reasons to think about estate planning. The problem is that there is usually no known timeline for […]
Estate Planning During Uncertain Times Read More »
“Holograph” is a fancy term for a document written entirely in the author’s handwriting. A “Holographic Will”, therefore, is a Will written entirely in the handwriting of the person making the Will. These Wills are also referred to as a “Dying Man’s Will” because they are sometimes written when death is imminent and without the
Are Handwritten Wills Legal?: A Discussion of Holographic Wills Read More »
When teenagers turn 18, the law presumes they are an adult. At age 18, they are vested with the freedom to determine their residence, live on their own, vote, marry, and enlist in the military. This age often marks the first “adult” milestone: moving out of the family home and into a campus dorm or
Preparing College Students and Young Adults for a Medical Emergency Read More »
I don’t know about you, but ever since we began this compulsory social distancing journey, my screen time consumption has increased dramatically! And between reading newsworthy articles, bingeing Netflix, and surfing social media, I have noticed an emergence of a new trend. “Crowdsourcing” legal advice First and foremost, I am seeing an uptick in “crowdsourcing”
Insider’s Guide to Hiring an Attorney Read More »
A common question I receive in my probate practice is whether inherited property can be transferred with an affidavit. I often get this question from potential clients who have either been approached by a family member about signing one, or who scoured the Internet for advice on “how to avoid probate“. In Texas, we have
Should I Sign an Affidavit? Read More »
Orphaned children are not just the plot of a fictional book or horror movie, but a fact of real life. When thinking about our children, nobody wants to consider their untimely death. However, choosing a guardian for your child is just as important as your decision for your child’s education, healthcare, and religious or moral
How to Choose a Guardian for Your Child Read More »
Understanding the types of Power of Attorney and the role each one serves can be quite confusing at times. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to control your affairs should you become unable to do so effectively. These documents are critical to incapacity planning and avoidance
Types of Powers of Attorney Explained Read More »
I encounter many people who don’t understand the rules of the gift tax and even more who have never even heard of a gift tax. Here are the basics of the gift tax so that you can be aware of the issue, and always consult your estate planning attorney BEFORE making a gift! The Gift
Gift Tax Explained Read More »
First, put down the red pen. Second, call your estate planning attorney. Can I Handwrite My Changes on the Will? A court reviewing a signed Will must determine the validity of the Will. In Texas, a Will is valid if it is typed and then signed by the person making the Will, or if it
How to Amend Your Will and Estate Plan Read More »
The number of Americans living together as unmarried partners is on the rise. As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, more adults are delaying marriage or forgoing it altogether in favor of cohabiting–reportedly as many as 17 million people cohabit (triple the number from two decades ago). Cohabiting partners who are not planning
Cohabitation Agreements: Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners Read More »
