Be Prepared: Important Documents for Your Estate Planning Arsenal

Estate-planning involves more than just preparing for one’s passing. It encompasses comprehensive planning if you should ever become seriously ill, injured, or incapacitated. Avoid finding yourself in a position where you are unable to make important medical or financial decisions for yourself. Draft a will, but also have a durable power of attorney and/or a medical power of attorney now... Read More

Thinking of Tomorrow: Estate Planning Tips for the Digital Age

Everything from banking to commerce is done online nowadays, stressing the importance for people who rely heavily on the Internet for their day-to-day business activities to plan their estate accordingly. Banks and credit card companies often advertise the benefits of going paperless (receiving notices and important information through email rather than postal mail). What they neglect to inform you about... Read More

Stress Free: Easier Estate Planning in Just a Few Simple Steps

A majority of people find it uncomfortable and distressing when thinking about the day they pass on and what will become of their personal belongings. In fact, several recent studies show that a significant portion of Americans currently have no last will and testament. The process of formulating a will is not as grueling as many perceive it to be.... Read More

Not So Silent Trusts: Potentially Problematic Estate Planning Tools

Silent trusts may seem appropriate for trustees wanting to keep beneficiaries in the dark regarding potential assets. Remain cautious, as these trusts have the potential to backfire and create a shift in family dynamics without the oversight of an attorney. You may be interested in becoming familiar with the issues involved in establishing a silent trust if it is one... Read More

The Best Way to Approach Unequal Estate Distributions

The estate planning process involves several important decisions being made and valid questions being raised. This is especially true when it comes to families who plan to split their assets unequally amongst several children. Parents have their reasons for distributing estates unevenly between family members and feel their reasons for wanting to do so are completely valid. The fact remains... Read More

Estate Planning: More Than Just Wills and Trusts

In terms of estate planning, peoples’ thoughts may include documents such as wills and trusts. It is important to remember that there is more to estate planning than what may or may not occur upon a person's death. There are legal documents, such as durable and healthcare power of attorneys, which can make caring for a person at the end... Read More

Planning for the Unexpected: An Overview of Estate Planning

Age is irrelevant when it comes to estate planning. Most young adults do not consider drafting such a plan a top priority. An estate plan goes beyond determining what becomes of property when someone dies. It is a set of legal documents which allow people to leave instructions regarding their care if they become incapacitated and distribution of assets if... Read More

Thicker Than Water: Discussing Inheritances with Family

Parents always wish the best for their children. This includes providing financial stability and independence. This does not mean that all parents plan to leave large inheritances for their children as many decide to leave smaller ones. It is also not unusual for parents to donate their estates to charity instead of passing them along to family members. It is... Read More

Irrevocable and Revocable Trusts: Knowing the Difference

Drafting a will has been most prominent among Americans who find value in designating their possessions, or estate, to specific individuals. As of late, however, there has been a shift in preference. Two types of trusts have effectively gained popularity amongst clients, revocable and irrevocable. Most often, clients select a revocable trust for the promise of control, the avoidance of... Read More

Texas Probate Process: Steps You Need to Know

In Texas, everything is bigger-- and family disputes are no exception. A loved one’s death holds the power to cause tears and arguments, the perfect concoction for disarray. Family members engage in squabbling over who keeps the luxury car, estate, money in the bank, etc. Leaving an ironclad will with strict specifications will ensure the proper distribution of your assets... Read More