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...
by Keith Hajovsky | Jul 5, 2023 | General Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts
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...
by Keith Hajovsky | Jun 28, 2023 | Estate Administration, Probate, Wills
With so many people moving to Texas today 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 accepted by...
