So how do you know if your estate plan is out-of-date? If your will or trust predates these four key “freshness dates,” it may be time to visit your attorney for a review. Estate plans are not meant to be a one-time deal. If life changes – or the law…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Can I Have Your Password, Please?
“‘Do you have any important business online?’ That is now just as important of a conversation as asking somebody their health care preferences in a life-threatening situation.” Leaving your digital accounts out of your Houston estate plan can prove to be a big, bad mistake. Most digital accounts require passwords…
Sharing End of Life Plans is a Gift to Family
At Hospice of Anchorage, end of life planning is what clinical director Alison O'Donnell encourages. Having advanced directives, or a living will, and a power of attorney in place is a gift to family, she said. Near retirees all over the country are starting to think about downsizing for retirement.…
Don’t Forget, Houston! Time for Estate Planning
Make it a point to learn about the factors and areas that must be addressed in estate planning in order to maximize, protect and preserve your legacy the absolute best way. You don’t have to be ultra-wealthy to have an estate plan. The Kokomo Perspective’s May 16 article, “Don’t Forget…
Crummey Trusts: Viable Tool for Houston Families?
Actually the trusts are Crummey trusts named after one D. Clifford Crummey who won a decision in the Ninth Circuit in 1968, when I was just a high school lad. Israel and Erna Mikel were just in Tax Court showing how powerful the Crummey power can be as they used…
Houston Families: Be Aware of Elder Fraud
A Walnut Ridge woman was arrested Thursday for forging a will after someone else had died. Another scammer made the news recently, this time involving a forged will. KAIT reported the story in an article titled "Woman arrested for forging new will after someone died." An Arkansas woman, Kimberly Dement…
Guardianship Selected for Bobbi Kristina Brown
“We are delighted to inform the public that the court has appointed Bobby Brown and Pat Houston as co-guardians of Bobbi Kristina Brown (‘Krissi’),” read a statement issued by David Long-Daniels, counsel for Pat Houston and Cissy Houston, and Christopher Brown, an attorney for Bobby Brown. “Both Mr. Brown and…
Houston Investors Should Organize Finances for Ease in Planning
There are several corners of your financial life that can be simplified through consolidation. If you feel like your finances are all over the place and hard to manage, you just need to take a moment to de-clutter and get a system going. Also, it’s ok to ask for help!…
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for Older Adults
"A lot of people think this is just about elderly parents, but it's a big issue for people with adult children away at school or on their own as an unmarried adult," said Carnick, president of Carnick & Kubik Personal Wealth Advisors. "Who's going to speak for them if they…
Inheritance: Later vs. Giving Now?
Most of us don’t want to just enjoy our retirement and have enough money for old age, but to leave something behind as well. But what's the best way to do that? Should you leave an inheritance, or give your money away while you're still around? Let’s take a look…