Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog

Why Texas Estate Plans Are Crucial for Every Family

Published on: May 15, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 to decide what to do with their property, assets, and who can make decisions on their behalf if they get ill. These are critical decisions that people should make for themselves, not allow state laws to dictate who makes these decisions. Below are reasons why people believe they should not draft an estate plan—and ultimately, why estate planning is for everyone and should be accomplished as soon as possible.

“My Financial Situation is Ever-Evolving, so I Will Wait to Create an Estate Plan Until It’s More Stable”

While it is understandable to hold off estate planning until a person feels their financial—or personal situation—is more stable, creating an estate plan now provides a baseline that can be altered in the future when things change. A person’s estate planning needs change throughout their lifetime; however, that is not a reason to hold off on the process. In Texas, it is easy to change all aspects of an estate plan—such as the beneficiary designations, health care proxy, and potential guardian for children—at any point. This means as a person grows—along with their personal situation—they have the opportunity to revise the estate plan to fit these new needs.

“Thinking About the Future is Something I Wish to Avoid”

It is understandable that some people want to avoid facing their own mortality or thinking about their future. However, this should not be the reason to not draft an estate plan. Instead, creating an estate plan is the perfect opportunity to evaluate important choices that while potentially overwhelming, are better to make now than under pressure in the future. When people make these choices last minute—or not at all—it can lead to some hasty, and often incorrect, choices. These decisions include who they would like to make medical decisions if the person cannot for themselves, who they would like to receive any assets or property, and who would care for any minor children.

Pitfalls of Texas DIY Estate Plans

Published on: May 12, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 quicker solution, there are major drawbacks to DIY estate plans that Texans might not realize at first. Below are some aspects to consider when deciding whether to draft a DIY estate plan or to work with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney throughout the process.

Why an Estate Plan is Not So “Simple”

Many individuals starting the estate planning process assume it will be simple: they only need a basic will, detailing who will receive their assets and belongings when they pass away. However, it is rarely that easy. Websites may be effective for filling out a generic form, but then people do not know what else, if anything, should be included in the estate plan. Not only are most Texans unaware of the other critical aspects of an estate plan—such as tax planning, financial planning, and senior care—but they assume a will can be a page or two long without getting into the details. Estate planning attorneys go beyond creating a will: they help people create healthcare documents—so doctors know what to do with end-of-life care—and financial planning documents so loved ones are secure in their future finances. This goes above what a DIY website can provide.

What is an Advance Directive and Why Do I Need One?

Published on: May 5, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 can create an advance healthcare directive.

Advance directives are a legal document that expresses a person’s decisions related to end-of-life care. Below is a more detailed explanation of what to include in a Houston advance healthcare directive, along with the repercussions of not making one.

Why Advance Directives are Critical

Why Is it Essential to Plan Ahead for Texas Elder Care?

Published on: April 29, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 applying for Medicare and Texas Medicaid. Although these are difficult conversations to have, starting the process as soon as possible can ensure a smooth transition when the time does come for new housing or medical care.

Plan Now, Avoid Care Issues Later

The Massachusetts Attorney General recently announced a settlement with a nursing home to resolve allegations that they failed to meet the needs of their residents. The Attorney General’s investigation found that within the time span of a year, the nursing home admitted residents that they did not have trained staff members to properly care for them or the necessary equipment. This also included the staff failing to properly prevent the development of ulcers on residents. The case is an example of a nursing home failing to properly care for its residents.

What Is a No-Contest Clause in a Texas Estate Plan?

Published on: April 27, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 to include a no-contest clause within a person’s Last Will and Testament. A no-contest clause provides for the disinheritance of an heir if they challenge the validity of the will. Because there are details specific to a no-contest clause, along with the ability to contest a no-contest clause, Texans should be aware of the purpose and effect of a no-contest clause before incorporating it into their estate plan.

What is a No-Contest Clause?

A no-contest clause prohibits beneficiaries of the will from challenging its terms. In the will, the no-contest clause will state that if a beneficiary contests the will and loses this challenge, the beneficiary will receive nothing. This greatly disincentives people from contesting the will if they are merely unhappy with the terms of the will. Instead, beneficiaries are likely to only challenge the will if malfeasance or manipulation occurred. However, if a beneficiary challenges the will and is successful, the no-contest clause would be voided along with the will.

How Early is Too Early to Look for a Senior Nursing Facility?

Published on: April 24, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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. However, with many nursing homes closing, it has become even more imperative to plan ahead for long-term care. While this may be an overwhelming and scary concept, elder law attorneys are skilled at navigating these issues and ensure elders can obtain the care they deserve.

Big Shifts in Senior Living Care to Come

Five Star Senior Living—a major senior living business with over 1,500 retirement communities—has announced they will exit the skilled nursing business by the end of 2021. Instead, the business is shifting to smaller senior living communities that do not require the same elder care and skilled nursing capabilities. As more businesses like Five Star get out of the senior nursing facility business, it will become harder for elders to obtain long-term care.

What are Common Texas Estate Planning Costs?

Published on: April 22, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 the costs of a Houston estate plan. This may deter Texans from creating an estate plan, but it should not. Below are common questions and answers about estate planning fees and the benefits of hiring an estate planning attorney.

Why Should I Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

Many Texans believe that hiring an estate planning attorney is costlier than using an online website; however, there are innate benefits to using an estate planning attorney. Firstly, internet sites do not provide specified advice for clients and their specific needs. An experienced (key word) estate planning attorney will tailor all estate planning documents to the person’s desires and requirements. Especially for people with unique family circumstances, this is a must.

Avoiding “Scare Tactics” Employed by Estate Planning Companies

Published on: April 15, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 to clients about what is best for them—and those that actually care about an individual’s situation and their family. When it comes to Texas estate planning, finding an estate planning attorney who will handle the matter with grace, hard work, and efficiency is critical.

Texas-based CLA Estate Services, Inc. and CLA USA Used “Scare Tactics” to Dupe Seniors Into Buying Estate Plan Products

In Seattle, a judge ruled that a company providing estate planning services must pay more than $6.1 million to people in Washington because it pressured people to buy its products by using “scare tactics.” Specifically, the company scared seniors into believing they would be left vulnerable unless they purchased the company’s Lifetime Estate Plan and set up revocable trusts, which gave the company further access to their funds over time.

Should You Name a Guardian for Your Child in Texas?

Published on: April 14, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 their parents’ untimely passing. Parents without a will should prioritize drafting one, as this documents the individual’s wishes and intents.

When deciding who to name as guardian—or whether to change the designation—there are several aspects to consider:

Factor #1: Location

Will the Senate Estate Tax Bill Impact My Estate Plan?

Published on: April 8, 2021 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

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 plan in place, the introduction of new legislation gives cause for concern that it may impact their estate plan. The bill will reduce the estate tax exemption to $3,500,000 and increase the estate tax rate from a flat rate to a progressive one. Because the nuances of such a law can be confusing, below are some common questions and answers about the new estate tax bill.

What Does the Bill Propose?

The bill seeks to reduce the estate tax exemption from $11,700,00 to $3,500,000. This means if an estate is valued at over $11,700,000 currently, the heirs of the estate will need to pay a tax. If the proposal is enacted, the heirs of an estate valued at over $3,500,00 will have to pay the tax. Additionally, if the bill passes, anyone who received more than $1,000,000 in gifts from a loved one as a part of their estate plan will have to pay a tax too. The proposed exemption limits are per person; therefore, for married couples, the total exemption limit would be $7,000,000. After 2022, the exemption will continue to rise with inflation.