It’s been three years since music icon Prince died at his famous Paisley Park mansion, joining the ranks of many celebrities who died without an estate plan. Prince’s estate, which includes master tapes of his recordings and a 10,000-square-foot Caribbean villa, has been estimated at $200 million. However, what it…
Articles Posted in Probate Attorney
Why is it Difficult to Pick an Executor?
It’s hard because you want to be sure your chosen person understands your wishes, your financial situation and can make good decisions on your behalf. Not everyone can do that. There is considerable responsibility that comes with being named an executor of an estate, explains MoneySense in the article “Should…
What’s “Hot” In Estate Planning? The ING Trust
The ING trust is used to generate tax savings in a number of ways. For the right person, they are a trend worth looking into. Are they right for you? The expanded transfer tax exemptions created by the 2017 tax reform legislation will end in 2026. However, in the meantime,…
Here’s How to Donate to Loved Ones and Avoid a Tax Bite
While there’s a time limit on this great opportunity for tax-free giving—2025, unless Congress makes some changes—this is a good time to take advantage of minimizing your tax liability through generosity. There’s a new big break for top-dollar wealth transfers, thanks to the new tax law. Basic rule: the more…
Is Your Estate Plan Working for You?
Remember that estate planning is not just for the wealthy, and now that the federal exemption is so high, not just for the billionaires either. Estate planning is also much more than a will. Your estate plan has a lot of work to do for you, both while you are…
Fake Law Firm Website Scamming Seniors in Houston
Here’s another reason to meet with your estate planning attorney face-to-face. An overseas-based scam is targeting the elderly with a website that uses photos and content stolen from real law firm websites. A website purporting to be an estate planning law firm is the subject of a lawsuit from the…
A Legacy of Service Will Continue Now that Estate Battle is Settled
At last, a happy ending for the estate of the late Veronica Shoemaker, a community activist who made service the heart of her life and business. With the conclusion of the estate battle, Mattie Young, the daughter of the late Veronica Shoemaker, will now be able to keep her mother’s…
Minus Michael, the Jackson Estate is All Business
Without the spending habits of Michael Jackson and the involvement of members of his inner circle, the Jackson estate has been transformed into an efficient multi-million dollar empire. As it stands now, the only factors that might keep the Michael Jackson money machine from moon-walking into eternity are his heirs.…
A Checklist for Post-Funeral Tasks
There are a number of tasks that need to be done after a loved one passes. A Houston estate planning attorney can help make these tasks easier. Most people don’t know that there is a time limit on certain tasks that need occur after someone passes away. According to WXYZ…
When the Heir is Not A Family Member
A cautionary tale ends with a will being declared invalid, firings at the local police station and a lesson in elder abuse. A wealthy 92 year old woman suffering from dementia left a $2 million estate to a local police sergeant but after three years of legal wrangling, her will…