Articles
What Can I Do If I Think I Am Likely To Become Incapacitated?
If you think that you are likely to become incapacitated for whatever reason, you should strongly consider signing an estate planning document called a Declaration of Guardian. [You likewise might consider getting a Living Trust] And by incapacitated, I mean that due...
What A Special Needs Trust Can I Do For A Special Needs Child
Estate planning is important for everyone whether they have children or not, but having the right documents, like a special needs trust, in place is perhaps even more important for people who have a special needs child. If a parent of a special needs child does not...
Is Estate Planning Expensive And Time-Consuming?
Is Estate Planning Expensive And Time-Consuming?: Given that almost two-thirds of Americans do not have a will, I think that many people believe that estate planning is too expensive and time-consuming and therefore not worth it. If you have a very large and/or...
What Is A Common Law Marriage In Texas?
Because of the important community property and separate property issues that come up in estate planning and probate, I often get asked “What is considered a common law marriage in Texas?” It’s a good and important question, especially since more people than ever are...
Should I Get A Living Trust In Texas?
A living trust in Texas is advertised all the time as a "must have" estate planning tool, but unfortunately many of these trust products are simply scams. It’s gotten so bad that the Texas Bar put out a pamphlet titled LIVING TRUST SCAMS AND THE SENIOR CONSUMER....
What Is Estate Planning?
What is estate planning? First of all, almost everyone has an estate, because an estate is merely made up of everything a person owns – cars, real estate, checking accounts, investment accounts, furniture, clothes, etc. So, dear reader, you are pretty much guaranteed...
Should I Get Power Of Attorney For A Parent?
“Should I get power of attorney for a parent?” If someone doesn’t already have power of attorney for your parent, then yes, you really should try to get one. And if you don’t think you should be the one to get power of attorney for your parent for whatever reason,...
Use A Spendthrift Trust To Leave Assets To Someone Who Isn’t Good With Money
A spendthrift trust can be a very powerful estate planning tool if you want to leave assets to someone who isn't good with money. I have always said that everyone has their strengths, i.e. things that they are good at. Some of us are very artistic. Some of us are...
Can My Will From Another State Be Used In Texas?
With so many people moving to Texas these days I often get the question “Can my will from another state be used in Texas?” The quick answer is, yes, as long as the will was created and signed properly within the laws of that other state, then the will should be...
Why You Need To Name Guardians For Your Children
It's bad enough that 64% of Americans don't have a will, but most parents of minor children have not named guardians for their children either. And you really need to name guardians for your children, because in some ways this might be even more important than having...