Common Law Marriage

Estate planning is important for everyone, but for Common Law married individuals and families, it is especially vital because legal protections and default inheritance laws do not always reflect the realities of their relationships. Without proactive planning, partners, children, and chosen family members may be left unrecognized or unprotected under state law.

Legal nuances around marriage... More

August is Make a Will Month!

August is Make-A-Will Month, and I’m reaching out with a reminder that may benefit younger family members or friends in your life.

 

I’ve found that some younger Americans assume wills are for older adults with sizable estates. But the truth is that adults of all ages and income levels should have a will. 

 

Here’s why it matters,... More

Probate in Texas: Your most common questions answered.

Probate in Texas: Your Most Common Questions Answered

Navigating probate after the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially in a time of grief. Many families are left asking the same questions: Do we have to go through probate? What if there’s no will? How long will this take?

In Texas,... More

What is Probate?

I have been managing this law practice for a few years now, but the "lingo" still intimidates me sometimes! 

Usually, once Scott explains it, I can catch on.  Probate is a process, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.  

Read on to learn more about probate.

Posted by Lori

Anyone who has had a close friend or relative pass away has probably heard of probate. Probate is the process by which the estate of the deceased is inventoried and distributed according to state laws.

While often maligned as a headache, probate offers a solid legal framework with advantages for those... More

Estate Planning Checklist

Beneficiary Designations: Make sure you name a beneficiary for all non-probate assets, including 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, pensions, and bank accounts. For those who already have an estate plan, it’s important to ensure that the person currently named is still the person you want to be the beneficiary.  Financial Power of Attorney: Choose someone... More

Blended Family Planning

A blended family can be a blessing; however, it requires special care with your estate plan —you want to take care of your spouse and stepchildren, but you don't want to inadvertently cut out your biological children.

Here are some things to consider:

Create or Update Legal Documents

Review your will. Often, a will in a... More

What happens when there is no will?

Estate planning may feel like a difficult topic to address, but understanding what happens without a will is crucial. Sadly, it’s more common than you might think — around 67% of Americans don’t have a valid estate plan, leaving state laws, not personal wishes, to dictate how assets are distributed.

 

Here’s more of what happens in... More

Signs you might need to revisit your will or trust...

National Estate Planning Month, it's an excellent time to revisit and review your estate plan. Life changes and evolving circumstances can impact your estate plan, and keeping it up to date is essential to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and provide for your loved ones.

 

Here are a few signs it might be time... More

In the days following the death of a loved one...

In our office, we often meet people for the first time soon after a loved one has passed. It’s a confusing, stressful time for all, so I thought I’d share a list of steps to follow in the unfortunate event that you need it. Tuck it away and let it be something you can turn... More

Estate Planning Post Divorce

ESTATE PLANNING POST DIVORCE

 

There’s no question that navigating a divorce can be extremely difficult; there are a handful of important considerations to keep in mind as the dust settles–one of them being your estate plan.

 

I thought I’d reach out and share some insights on a few of the steps to take regarding estate planning after... More