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…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
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.…
Funding a Charitable Remainder Trust with Houston Real Estate
You love giving back to Houston and hold significant real-estate equity. Selling property triggers hefty capital-gains tax, but funding a charitable remainder trust (CRT) turns that hidden value into lifetime income and future philanthropy. When structured correctly, a CRT slashes taxes, boosts cash flow, and leaves a legacy in the…
Planning for Long-Term Care in Dallas
The cost of long-term care in Dallas can topple even solid retirement plans. Private-pay nursing homes run well over $7,500 a month, and assisted-living facilities are not far behind. Without a strategy, you risk draining savings meant for your spouse or children. Taking proactive steps today protects your nest egg…
Top Five Reasons Austin Entrepreneurs Need Buy-Sell Agreements Inside Their Estate Plans
Running a successful Austin startup demands grit, vision, and contingency planning. Yet many founders overlook one critical tool: a buy-sell agreement. This contract dictates what happens to your ownership interest if you die, become disabled, or decide to exit. Embedding the agreement inside your broader estate plan keeps your company…
Choosing a Corporate Trustee vs. Family Member for a Houston Special-Needs Trust
A special-needs trust (SNT) safeguards government benefits while providing a financial cushion for your loved one. Your most important decision involves choosing the trustee. Many Houston families feel torn between naming a relative who knows the beneficiary well or hiring a corporate fiduciary with professional expertise. Weighing the pros and…
What Relocating to Austin Means for Your Community-Property Estate Plan and Probate Exposure
Moving to Austin brings tacos, live music, and new legal rules. Texas follows community-property principles that treat most marital earnings as jointly owned. If you relocate from a common-law state, your existing estate plan may no longer fit. Understanding how community property affects probate ensures your legacy passes smoothly and…
Keeping Rental Properties Cash Flowing during Dallas Probate
A vacant rental loses money fast. Mortgages, insurance, and property taxes continue, yet rent checks stop when tenants move or confusion reigns. You, as the one in charge of probate proceedings, can protect estate income and property value with a proactive, business-minded plan. Your approach affects heirs’ inheritances and prevents…
Handling Royalties and Intellectual Property for Austin Musicians and Creators in Probate
Austin’s creative pulse produces songs, films, and digital art that live long after their makers. These works often generate royalties that become part of a probate estate. If you manage or inherit intellectual property, you must juggle copyright terms, royalty contracts, and valuation challenges that differ from ordinary assets. A…
Handling Out-of-State Heirs in a Dallas Probate Case
Your loved one’s funeral ends, and family members fly back to California, New York, or Florida. Now you must probate the estate while heirs spread across different time zones. Distance complicates signatures, asset inspections, and emotional decisions. With thoughtful planning and modern tools, you can keep everyone informed, on schedule,…