While Texans often have an overview of the estate planning process, most are unclear of the specifics that constitute an estate plan. Many people will then ask whether a certain asset is included in their estate. However, the answer to this question is highly dependent on the asset itself and…
Under Texas law, the probate process is triggered when a person dies and leaves property without directly transferring ownership to another party. Probate is the process in which a court recognizes a person’s death, resolves debts, and distributes assets according to their will. If the decedent dies with a will,…
Probate is the process in which the court validates a will and distributes the deceased’s property according to the terms of their will. While probate is the default process in many situations, there are ways to avoid this lengthy and potentially costly process. In fact, one of the primary purposes…
Depending on the situation, the probate process can be a nightmare. For this reason, many believe probate should be avoided whenever possible. However, avoiding probate depends on the circumstances of each individual situation. While creating a Houston estate plan that avoids probate will be beneficial in most circumstances, there are…
When discussing Houston estate planning, there are likely to be many unfamiliar terms. Among these terms is the concept of “probate.” Probate is the part of the process by which assets are transferred after death, and specifically refers to the validation of a person’s will. However, the probate process is…
Do you ever worry about how your beneficiaries will manage their portion of their inheritance when you pass away? One solution that allows you to still exert some control over your money–even after passing–is with a revocable living trust (RLT).” A revocable living trust is created with a written agreement…
If you pass away without naming beneficiaries in your will, it can create legal entanglements for your heirs. If you decide to purchase a life insurance policy or to put some money into a new deferred annuity contract or Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you need to complete the beneficiary form.…
If a temporary administrator has failed to perform their duties properly, the court has the power to remove this person. Beneficiaries need to know that they have rights too. If a temporary administrator is not following the terms of the will, taking money that belongs to the estate or failing…
Contesting a will is not for the faint of heart, but this is the process that lets a person legally challenge a will. When there’s a will, there’s a way to challenge it, known as a “will contest.” If someone dies and they had a will, their estate goes through…
While it’s possible for people to manage some parts of their loved one’s estate, very often the tasks feel overwhelming. When getting assets out of probate becomes too much of a challenge, it’s time for help. There are instances when an executor knows they need to hire an attorney who…