See where boating accidents, law enforcement intervention, firearms and other unexpected events caused deaths at abnormally high rates. Lesson? Get your estate planning in order; you never know when your time will come to an end. Death can be unexpected and some Houston families can be caught unprepared following a…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Divorced? Update Beneficiary Designations
Fran had just learned that her deceased husband Ed’s life insurance proceeds were going to be paid to his ex-wife Sally. As Fran found out from her lawyer, beneficiary designations can be the trump card of estate planning. You heard that right. The ex-wife Sally will get the life insurance…
Senate Strives to Ease Medical Care Access for Veterans
The bill relaxes a rule that makes getting specialized care from local doctors difficult for some veterans in rural areas. The Associated Press investigated this new legislation in a recent article titled “Senate tweaks health law to boost specialized care.” If this bill is passed by the House and…
You’re Getting Married? Is Your Estate Plan Current?
At some point, everyone needs to consider estate planning. It’s time to create an up-to-date estate plan when you experience one of these life events. Think estate planning isn’t for you? Think again! And it’s not just a one-time deal; changes in your life should result in changes to your…
Pre-Retirement To-Do’s for Houston Boomers
Don’t wait until the very last minute to make sure you are prepared, says Michael H. Milarski, a partner and senior financial advisor with Signature Financial Planning. Have you checked your list and you’re sure you’re ready to retire? You may have a few items to address before your golden…
$788K Estate Could Remain Unclaimed
Thus far, many people have attempted to establish a link – none have been successful. If no one claims the inheritance in 30 years, the money goes to the British crown. No will or other estate planning documents could be found for Kathleen Hilda Ryan, who passed away in Greenwhich,…
Time to Review Your Houston Estate Plan: 4 Key Dates
So how do you know if your estate plan is out-of-date?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…
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…