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...
by Keith Hajovsky | Aug 20, 2026 | General Estate Planning, Medical Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney
Key Takeaways: Incapacity can leave you unable to manage your personal needs or finances. A Declaration of Guardian lets you tell the court who you want—or do not want—to serve as your guardian. You can name separate guardians for your person and estate, or the same...
by Keith Hajovsky | Aug 12, 2026 | Asset Protection, General Estate Planning, Trusts
Executive Summary: Estate planning is especially important for parents of a special needs child. Improperly leaving assets directly to a special needs child can jeopardize important government benefits. SSI and Medicaid are needs-based programs with strict income and...
by Keith Hajovsky | Aug 5, 2026 | General Estate Planning, Wills
Quick Answer: Almost two-thirds of Americans do not have a will and other important estate planning documents like powers of attorney for no good reason. Enormous improvements in easily available technology have made it possible for some attorneys such as myself to...
