When family members think about what assets they may receive after a loved one has passed away, they often think about physical property or sentimental objects. However, another common inheritance is an individual retirement account or an IRA. An IRA allows an individual to save money for retirement with tax…
“Do I need a will if I don’t have children?” The answer to this frequently Googled question might surprise you. Indeed, married couples who do not have any children often think that there is no good reason to have a will in place. They mistakenly assume that a will is…
People are often confused about whether an estate tax—also known as an inheritance tax—will apply to their property after their passing. While the federal regulations surrounding the estate tax often change, Houston estate planning attorneys are knowledgeable in calculating the value of the asset, along with the taxes the deceased’s…
Unlike many other states which impose an estate tax at the time of a person’s death, Texas does not have such a tax. Therefore, when people move to Texas from another state many hope to eliminate the state-level inheritance tax from the prior state. To do so, Texans must ensure…
There is often a lot of confusion about Social Security benefits, particularly obtaining benefits based on a family member’s work history. While it may be complicated, Texans are able to obtain Social Security benefits from their ex-spouses. Every case is different, but there are general requirements a person must meet…
There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the Houston economy and beyond. Indeed, only time will tell the impact of the virus on countless markets. With this in mind, the importance of estate planning early on has never been as clear. 3 Major Advantages for…
Planning your estate and the management of your assets after you pass away can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming process, however, it does not need to be as complicated as you may expect. Once an effective estate plan is in order, you and your family members can rest easy knowing…
Probate is the process by which the courts oversee the distribution of people’s assets after their death. For loved ones, probate can be an extremely difficult experience involving countless administrative requirements, and it is often rife with family conflict. There are many steps that people can take, however, to help…
Estate planning has evolved greatly over the past century, and it continues to change with each passing year. For example, estate planning attorneys must regularly adapt client plans to changes in tax laws. Keeping up with changes to the legal field and their implications for estate planning is a task…
Once best known for her chart-topping hits, Britney Spears is now in the limelight for a much more somber reason. For over a decade, Ms. Spears has been under a conservatorship following a decline in her mental health. That conservatorship has recently gained attention and notoriety as Ms. Spears and…