by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 1, 2026 | Asset Protection, Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Intestate - Dying Without A Will, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary: No Texas state estate tax: Texas does not levy an estate tax or “death tax” at the state level. Federal exemption limits (2026): Federal estate taxes only apply to individuals with estates worth over $15 million or married couples with...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 25, 2026 | Asset Protection, General Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Trusts
Executive Summary: A revocable living trust provides no creditor asset protection in Texas if you keep control of the assets. However, Texas law inherently grants strong protections without a trust: Homestead Law: Texas Property Code Chapter 41 fully protects primary...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 17, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Intestate - Dying Without A Will, Marital Assets, Wills
Executive Summary: Overview of Dying Without a Will (Intestacy) Texas Estates Code Chapter 201 governs asset distribution when dying intestate. Probate becomes more expensive and time-consuming without a will. Minor children receive full access to inheritance at age...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 10, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
Key Takeaways: Transfer on Death Deed (TODD): Texas Estates Code Chapter 114 lets property owners transfer real estate automatically at death without probate. Main benefit: No need for probate. The beneficiary only needs to file a copy of the death certificate at the...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 3, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary: Wills do not control all assets. Many people mistakenly believe a will dictates how their entire estate is distributed after death. Non-probate assets bypass the will. These are primarily financial assets such as checking and savings accounts, life...
by Keith Hajovsky | Aug 27, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary: Your Will may not control your bank accounts. Certain accounts pass automatically outside of probate. JTWROS accounts pass to the surviving joint owner, while POD accounts pass to the designated beneficiary. These designations generally override the...
