"A lot of people think this is just about elderly parents, but it's a big issue for people with adult children away at school or on their own as an unmarried adult," said Carnick, president of Carnick & Kubik Personal Wealth Advisors. "Who's going to speak for them if they…
No will? If you are married with young children and both parents die who becomes the children’s guardian will be up to the state’s court system. If you do not have a will, Texas estate laws and the probate judge may decide who will get your assets if you die.…
Rubin Frels is considered by some as the "godfather of movies in South Texas." Although he has been dead for almost a year, the prominent Victoria businessman's estate is still being legally contested by two of his longtime associates, Brad Richards and Gary Dunnam. The Victoria (TX) Advocate has reported…
"Everyone of majority age needs at the least a will, a health care directive and a named power of attorney," says Mike Sena, a certified financial planner with White Street Advisors, a money management firm. "The express purpose of estate planning is to make things as easy, as inexpensive and…
Few people get excited about doing estate planning, even though they might recognize the importance of leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren. If you want to be smart about making gifts to your loved ones, though, there are some things you should consider before just writing a check.…
Without a formal direction, your wishes must be interpreted and your estate must be settled by a probate court judge. The process is expensive and encourages disputes. But divvying up wealth is a whole lot easier than handing your children off to the state to determine where they go and…
If a Loved One or you have an estate plan, or even part of one, then some team members already are on board via the planning process and likely are actively serving or are nominated in the documents. They can have roles in the testamentary will, trusts, business purchase agreement,…
Coming together at 50-plus is different from getting married in your 20s, particularly when it comes to money. "You've had a lifetime of solidifying your money beliefs" and behaviors, says Janet Stanzak, president of the Financial Planning Association. These are some ways to smooth the transition if you're tying the…
Financial planner Joe Pitzl, 34, says Millennials like himself have a different way of absorbing information than their parents and grandparents, and as a result planners in that age group take a more collaborative approach. As reported in a recent USA Today article, titled “For Millennials goal is financial freedom,”…
Although some couples remain unmarried to protect their estates, that strategy backfires if you end up paying estate taxes. If you choose not to marry, you and your partner need to educate yourselves on your estate planning and retirement options. If you’re married, you’re able to inherit an unlimited amount…