Your pets are family. You want them fed, loved, and safe even if something happens to you. A pet trust turns that wish into a binding plan, providing money, care instructions, and oversight that lasts for your pet’s lifetime. With a few decisions today, you can guarantee tomorrow’s care. Why…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Protecting Austin Start-Up Equity in Your Estate Plan
Your equity can be life-changing. Founder shares, incentive stock options, and RSUs often outrun the value of your home. If you do not plan for those assets, probate delays and tax traps can chew through gains. A clear Austin-focused plan keeps voting control steady, captures tax breaks, and gets money…
Keeping a Greenbelt Home in the Family—Austin Conservation Easements and Estate Planning
Your Austin-area homestead may border a greenbelt or sit on acreage that frames hill-country views. If you want your children to inherit that land without pressure to subdivide or sell, a conservation easement can help. This voluntary agreement limits development while preserving tax benefits and long-term family control. What a…
Using Transfer on Death Deeds for Harris County Rental Homes
Rental properties create steady income, but probate can freeze that cash flow when an owner dies. A Transfer on Death (TOD) deed provides a simple, low-cost way to pass Harris County rentals to your chosen beneficiaries without a court process. You keep full control during life, and your heirs receive…
Updating Beneficiary Designations After Divorce in Houston
Divorce resets more than your day-to-day life. It also rewrites who inherits your money if you die tomorrow. In Texas, beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement plans, and bank accounts often control who gets paid—sometimes even over your will. You can protect yourself by reviewing every designation and aligning it…
Transferring a Houston Business at Death—From Successor Management to Probate Paperwork
You built your Houston business with long nights and bold choices. When you die, you want that momentum to continue without court bottlenecks or family disputes. A clear succession plan, aligned with Texas probate rules, keeps customers served, payroll met, and value preserved. With a few targeted steps, you can…
Muniment of Title as a Probate Shortcut
If an estate has a valid will and no unpaid debts, Texas offers a probate shortcut called a muniment of title. Instead of slogging through months of administration, you can transfer property in a matter of weeks. Learning the steps now saves court costs and relieves stress during a difficult…
Homestead Protections for Texans Looking at Probate Planning
Your Texas homestead offers powerful shields against creditors and probate complications, but only if you understand the rules. Leveraging exemptions, transfer options, and property-tax advantages keeps your primary residence safe for heirs and maximizes wealth retention. Think of the homestead as the cornerstone of your estate plan—protect it well, and…
Adding Crypto and NFTs to Your Texas Will
Bitcoin wallets and NFT collectibles now rival traditional investments. Ignoring them in your estate plan risks permanent loss because private keys die with you. Properly documenting access, valuation, and distribution ensures your digital wealth benefits those you love. Inventory Every Digital Asset List each exchange, hardware wallet, and decentralized app…
Handling Oil-and-Gas Mineral Interests in a Dallas Revocable Living Trust
Dallas families often own mineral rights that pump royalties long after the original lease. Placing those interests into a revocable living trust avoids probate, streamlines management, and protects your heirs. Yet the process involves nuances absent from typical stock transfers. Addressing title, division orders, and ongoing production requires careful attention.…