Many Texans incorrectly assume that estate planning is only for wealthy families. For people who do not have many assets, they often believe there is no benefit to themselves or their families to drafting an estate plan. However, this cannot be farther from the truth. Estate planning provides the opportunity…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Pitfalls of Texas DIY Estate Plans
As more people become interested in drafting estate plans—recognizing the inherent benefits to planning ahead—they wonder whether they can do it themselves. This approach—called DIY estate planning—is when people utilize websites and books to draft their own Houston estate plan. While this may appear to be a more cost-effective and…
What is an Advance Directive and Why Do I Need One?
Many Texans have considered the medical care they would want if they were extremely ill. However, if these wishes are not written down, family members or medical professionals may act in a way contrary to what the person would have intended. In order to ensure this does not happen, people…
Why Is it Essential to Plan Ahead for Texas Elder Care?
Thinking about long-term care—especially as a person ages—can be an overwhelming and scary process. However, as time goes on, it can be more difficult for seniors to obtain proper long-term care. This is why planning ahead is essential. Elder law attorneys will discuss financing for long-term care, which includes often…
What Is a No-Contest Clause in a Texas Estate Plan?
For many Texans, the thought of their family members fighting after their death because of the contents of their will is something they cannot bear. In many cases, this fighting can lead to a family member contesting the validity of the person’s will. One solution to this potential issue is…
How Early is Too Early to Look for a Senior Nursing Facility?
As individuals in Texas get older, there are new issues they must face like obtaining long-term care and applying for benefits. All of these issues fall under the category of elder law. Elder law is an aspect of estate planning that focuses on the needs of individuals as they age.…
What are Common Texas Estate Planning Costs?
Estate planning is a crucial measure that ensures a person’s assets are given away according to their wishes; otherwise, the inheritance could be diminished by court costs and other fees. While many people have come to realize the importance of estate planning generally, they have many questions and fears about…
Avoiding “Scare Tactics” Employed by Estate Planning Companies
Being deceived by anyone can be upsetting. However, when it is someone who claims to have your best interests at heart—and it impacts your financial future—it can become downright infuriating. There are ways to discern between companies who are only out for their own selfish financial gain—and will even lie…
Should You Name a Guardian for Your Child in Texas?
For individuals with minor children, thinking about who would care for them if the parents died unexpectedly may be difficult but necessary. This designation can be made as part of a Houston estate plan, which appoints a person to serve as the legal guardian of a child—only in case of…
Will the Senate Estate Tax Bill Impact My Estate Plan?
With the recent election and inauguration of the 117th United States Congress, new bills are being introduced that impact all aspects of a person’s life. According to a recent news source, one such bill is Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposed estate and gift tax reform legislation. For individuals with an estate…