A federal bill working its way through Congress will have dramatic implications for Texans and their estate plans. Once the bill becomes law, some of the estate planning techniques that have assisted Americans with sizeable estates will no longer be available. Fortunately, there is still time for Houston residents to…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Moving to Texas? How to Revise Your Estate Plan
There are many stresses that come along with moving: saying goodbye to friends and family, figuring out the logistics of the move, and settling into a new environment. However, many people do not think about amending their will or estate plan when moving to a new state. While this may…
Texas Estate Planning Issues to Remember Before 2022
2021 is nearly over, with a new year around the corner. While this is generally a time of celebrating holidays and preparing for the new year, there are some estate planning considerations that should be taken into account before 2021 is over. Although this may not seem like a top…
How to Maximize Your Texas Retirement Income
As life becomes more complicated, individuals should not expect to rely on the traditional retirement savings of the past. With people living longer and many working part-time before retiring fully, retirement is not what it used to be. And because of this, it can be difficult for residents of Houston…
Rising Long-Term Care Costs in Texas
With more Americans than ever reaching retirement age, the number of people requiring long-term care will only intensify too. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 7 in 10 seniors are now expected to need long-term care before they pass away. However, the price of long-term care has…
What Are Essential Estate Planning Documents for Texans?
There is a common misconception amongst lower- and middle-class families that estate planning is only for the wealthy. They assume if they do not have many assets—if any—to give to loved ones, there is no point in having a will in place. However, this is not the case. Everyone should…
4 Steps for Writing Your Will in Houston
Whether you are young or old, married or unmarried, parenting or childfree, you need a will. A will is a basic courtesy to the loved ones left behind after someone’s passing. Even for people with minimal assets, a will is an appropriate Houston estate planning tool to ensure that any…
Using Life Insurance in Texas Estate Planning
Throughout time, the purposes of life insurance in the estate planning context have simultaneously remained constant, while also dramatically changing. These alterations have occurred because of state and federal regulations. And these changes impact how estate planning attorneys advise their clients. However, it can be difficult for Texans to know…
Estate Planning in Texas: Lessons From the Free Britney Movement
Last month, a judge delivered a ruling that thousands of fans and supporters of Britney Spears had been waiting for. Calling the situation of Spears’s conservatorship “toxic,” the judge decided that Spears’s father must no longer be her conservator. Under the conservatorship (guardianship)—which has been in place for over a…
Complex Family Dynamics and their Impact on Texas Estate Plans
Regardless of the makeup of a family, family dynamics can often be complicated. But fighting about food and what to watch on TV are simple problems compared to disputes about a loved one’s estate. These lawsuits can cost millions of dollars and tear families apart. Instead, there are steps that…