We have long expressed the importance of estate planning for everyone, regardless of status or income. One substantial step in estate planning is having a clear will that avoids dispute or probate issues. For most people, a will turns out to be a relatively straightforward document with little contention. For…
Horror stories abound of individuals with plenty of assets passing on without a will, throwing their loved ones into chaos and probate drama. You may have heard of these stories and made sure to establish a secure will. You may have even gone a step further and placed some assets…
Even the most diligent of individuals may not anticipate a contest to their will’s validity when estate planning. Planning for your own potential incompetence or fights about your intention between family members can be upsetting and may even seem far-fetched. Unfortunately, planning for the worst-case scenario can help avoid major…
Estate plans are crucial to protecting loved ones and ensuring peace of mind. Despite thorough planning, unexpected events can happen that may change the disposition of a person’s assets. An experienced Texas estate planning attorney can work with individuals to plan for the unexpected. What is a Beneficiary under Texas…
Under Texas law, individuals (testators) may create a revocable living trust which allows them to use their assets during their lifetime and subsequently securely transfer them to their designated beneficiaries after the testator’s death. These trusts protect the testator if they become mentally incapacitated. With a revocable living trust, the…
There are two primary types of wills under Texas law: 1) holographic and 2) non-holographic wills. Non-holographic wills are typed, witnesses, and attested wills. In contrast, holographic wills refer to entirely handwritten wills. In Texas, holographic wills are only enforceable when the entire document is written in the testator’s handwriting.…
Life happens, we get it. Therefore, most individuals put off estate planning. However, there are major downsides when this is avoided for too long and they unexpectedly pass away. When someone dies without a will, it is called dying intestate. There are many consequences dying intestate in Texas, including that…
There is a common misconception amongst lower- and middle-class families that estate planning is only for the wealthy. They assume if they do not have many assets—if any—to give to loved ones, there is no point in having a will in place. However, this is not the case. Everyone should…
Whether you are young or old, married or unmarried, parenting or childfree, you need a will. A will is a basic courtesy to the loved ones left behind after someone’s passing. Even for people with minimal assets, a will is an appropriate Houston estate planning tool to ensure that any…
“Do I need a will if I don’t have children?” The answer to this frequently Googled question might surprise you. Indeed, married couples who do not have any children often think that there is no good reason to have a will in place. They mistakenly assume that a will is…