In Texas, the probate process can be overwhelming for beneficiaries and those involved in distributing a decedent’s estate. The good news, however, is that for those whose assets are below a certain amount, there is a simplified probate process available. This process is shorter and more efficient, but it still…
As we have discussed previously in our blog, trusts can be powerful tools to protect and distribute assets for individuals in a variety of circumstances. One particular kind of trust is called the special needs trust, which is designed specifically for individuals with a disability. This type of trust distributes…
One question we occasionally get from our clients is how to manage any guns that might be part of their estates as they plan for the future. If you own a gun, as long as it is registered and legal, there are steps you can take to make sure your…
At McCulloch & Miller, many of the clients we sit down with are meeting with an estate planning attorney for the first time. If you are looking to meet with an estate planning or probate attorney to discuss your long-term needs and don’t quite know what to expect, this guide…
Being chosen as an executor or trustee can be a big responsibility, and it is not one that you should take lightly. If someone you know has asked you to serve either as an executor or trustee, that person believes that you will fulfill your duties in a trustworthy manner,…
The will is the most well-known tool in estate planning, and it is often clients’ first choice for how to make sure their assets are transferred to loved ones after their death. The will can be useful in that it allows individuals to provide detailed instructions for their beneficiaries, and…
Unfortunately, the law around estate planning can be complex and technical in a way that makes it difficult to sort through. Fortunately, though, the law provides for a diverse array of options for those undergoing the estate planning process. Many of our clients come to us, for example, asking us…
In a recent case before a court of appeals in Texas, the widow of a property owner had to defend her claim to the property that her husband left her in his will. At issue in the case was how to interpret the wills of both the decedent and the…
In a recent case before an appeals court in Texas, the plaintiff sued a local firefighters’ relief fund, hoping to receive compensation after her loved one passed away. The plaintiff originally asked a trial court to rule that she was entitled to survivor’s benefits after the death of her significant…
When we speak to clients who have elderly parents, grandparents, or friends, one of their biggest concerns is that their loved ones will be taken advantage of through financial abuse. Financial abuse is incredibly common among elder individuals, and the most important thing that others can do is closely monitor…