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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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