Rubin Frels is considered by some as the "godfather of movies in South Texas." Although he has been dead for almost a year, the prominent Victoria businessman's estate is still being legally contested by two of his longtime associates, Brad Richards and Gary Dunnam. The Victoria (TX) Advocate has reported…
Articles Posted in Will
Don’t Just Think about Your Houston Estate, Plan It!
The sad truth is that most of us — some 70% of adult Americans — have neglected to write a will. Some think their assets are just too puny to worry about, others worry that the costs of writing a “last will and testament” are too high. But wills aren’t…
Houston Estates Can Be Subject to Same Discord as Celebrity Estates
Ernie Banks died on January 23rd at age 83 from a heart condition. Interestingly, his death certificate listed dementia as a “significant condition contributing” to his death. Why is that important? Well, three months before he died, Banks signed a new set of estate planning documents, including a power of…
Should Houston Family’s Care About Marlon Brando’s Estate?
In part due to questions about his true intentions as expressed in his will and trust, Brando’s estate was involved in more than two dozens lawsuits by 2009 — five years after his death. He passed away on July 1, 2004, at 80 years of age, suffering from a host…
Lessons Learned from Robin Williams’ Estate Battle
There’s barely a person over the age of 40 or so who does not come with a family squabble about, well, things following the death of a well-loved parent, grandparent, or family friend. Even Robin Williams, who planned his estate well, could not avoid a family feud after his passing.…
A Trust Can Help Keep Public Lives A Bit More Private
In all likelihood, [film director] Nichols had a "revocable living trust," that contained the dispositive provisions of his estate so that his wishes were shielded from the public. Celebrities and high-profile estates tend to be a hot topic in the media, but sometimes the media doesn't get the full story.…
Who Gets Grandma’s Houston Keepsakes?
There is no magic formula or solution available for transferring personal property because each family and their possessions are different. However, the Extension program "Who Get's Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?" suggests there are some factors for every family to consider whether planning for the transfer an individual's own personal property…
Helpful Houston Estate Planning Add-Ons: A Letter of Instruction
Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and sometimes an ugly family feud. Families are consumed with grief when a loved one dies, but unfortunately certain legal and organizational tasks that arise can’t be ignored or put off for long. But you can ease the burden on your loved ones by…
“Sweetheart Wills” for Houston-Area Couples with No Children
Recently, I outlined a basic estate plan for a couple with children. Now, a reader in California asks: “What about marrieds without kids?” Married without children? What essential estate planning tasks should you focus on? The Wall Street Journal says, in an article titled “Estate Planning for Childless Couples,” that you…
Houston Families: Don’t Shy Away from Key Estate Planning Questions!
Establishing a will is a vital part of protecting your financial legacy and there is no benefit in delaying it. Here are six often-avoided questions to help you get over your fear of wills and establish one for your family. There are no silly questions when it comes to your…