For many business owners, the future of your business and life’s work is at the forefront of your mind. Business succession planning should also be at the forefront of your estate planning. Beyond the complexities of regular estate planning, business succession planning must carefully consider unique tax implications and asset…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Estate Planning Considerations for Cat and Dog Owners
Individuals thinking about estate planning may already be considering their spouses, children, and even important charities and foundations that are meaningful to them. It is important for planners to also consider implementing estate plans for their beloved cats and dogs. While you cannot leave money to your pet in your…
Common Estate Planning Mistakes
End-of-life planning is an emotionally challenging process. Without the aid of an experienced estate planning attorney, you may fall into some common pitfalls without realizing their harm. Thinking you don’t have an estate Some think only the very wealthy have an estate, but this is untrue. Everyone has an estate,…
The Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid have similar names but are two completely separate government health insurance programs. Understanding the difference can help you and your family plan for aging and retirement. What is Medicare? Medicare is a program administered by the federal government—the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services—that is essentially available…
Community Property’s Impact on Texas Probate
If you’re considering your end-of-life plans and want to ensure your family’s safety and comfort, you may already know and understand the need for a last will and testament. Understanding what happens after the will is drafted, however, is crucial to best position your estate for a seamless and hassle-free…
Protecting Yourself or Your Loved One from Elder Abuse
Medical emergencies, especially among aging individuals, can result in long-term rehabilitation and financial distress. Planning ahead for these emergencies is crucial, not only to preserve your assets and your independence but also to protect yourself from unscrupulous practices. According to a recent article, a woman has filed a lawsuit alleging…
The Costs of Long-Term Care are Rising
According to a recent report, long-term care costs are rising. Genworth, a provider of long-term care insurance, surveyed 2017-2018 inflation rates in long-term care categories and discovered that for some categories, costs were rising at up to two to three times the rate of inflation. And with inflation rising even…
Planning for Incapacity in Texas
Many people know that planning for retirement and planning for the allocation of their estate are two inevitable tasks. Planning for incapacity, or the inability to perform various legal and medical functions, however, is just a possibility, not an inevitability. However, having a plan in place in the event you…
How “the Internet of the Future” Is Impacting Texas Estate Planning
For investors considering incorporating cryptocurrency into their estate plans, Web3 may already be an area of interest or curiosity—or apprehension. For others, it may be a concept completely unheard of. In either case, Web3—a decentralized form of data sharing not yet in existence—could be popping up more frequently in estate…
What Happens if a Beneficiary to a Will Dies
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…