by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 18, 2023 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Probate, Wills
How do I probate a will in Texas with independent administration? Well, probating a will in Texas usually takes less time and money than probating a will in other states as long as the will is properly written and executed (signed and notarized). This is all the more...
by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 11, 2023 | Asset Protection, Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Intestate - Dying Without A Will, Probate, Wills
In Texas, whether or not estate taxes will need to be paid when you die greatly depends on the size of your estate. Luckily for the vast majority of us, there is no need to worry. First of all, there is not an estate tax, sometimes called a “death tax”, at the state...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 20, 2023 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
In 2015 the Texas legislature created a new way for people to transfer ownership of real estate at the time of their death with what is called a Transfer on Death Deed (TOD). [also see A Lady Bird Deed Protects A Home Medicaid Recovery] The way it works is that the...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 13, 2023 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
It’s very important to keep in mind that usually not all of your assets pass through your will. This is something that many people don’t realize. And this can potentially cause BIG problems. Assets that don’t pass through your will are called non-probate assets. These...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 6, 2023 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
Most people incorrectly believe that the money in their bank account will automatically pass through their will in whatever way the will dictates. However, it is very common for a bank account to be opened either as a JTWROS (“joint tenants with right of...
by Keith Hajovsky | Aug 2, 2023 | General Estate Planning, Marital Assets, Probate, Wills
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...
