Writing on your original will can invalidate the entire document. It doesn’t matter if you initial next to what you have written. Some people feel that once the document is signed and notarized they can feel free to make changes themselves. This is not true. Keep your original document safe, clean and dry. Don’t eat near it, set a coffee cup on it, get it wet, or jot notes on it. And it is … [Read more...] about Thinking About Writing on Your Original Will? Don’t do it!
Why You May Need a New Will After You File for Divorce
It is important to make sure that your will reflects your current circumstances. Filing for divorce is a drastic change in circumstances. That means that you should consider whether or not your will still reflects your wishes. There is no "legal separation" in Texas. That means that if you were to die during your divorce, no matter how bitter the divorce, no matter how long it has been since … [Read more...] about Why You May Need a New Will After You File for Divorce
When Should You Update your Will?
Once signed, is your Last Will & Testament good "forever"? If not, what are the most common events that should make you consider updating your will? Normally a Last Will & Testament should be written with enough flexibility that it does not need to be continually updated. However, it is a good idea to review it once a year to make sure it is still current. There are some … [Read more...] about When Should You Update your Will?
Is Probate Law the Same in All States?
Probate is “the legal process that officially proves the validity of a will. This includes an inventory of the decedent's property, resolving all debts and claims, and distribution of the decedent's estate."Black's Law Dictionary Although taking care of a deceased person's estate does include gathering the debts and determining whether or not there are any Federal Taxes due, the … [Read more...] about Is Probate Law the Same in All States?
Do you Need a Formal Contract?
A handshake to seal the deal may not be all that you need. Some people are proud of their handshake as a badge of honor. And they should be! After all, it is good to be honest and trustworthy. But there may be times when a handshake isn't enough, and the reason why may have nothing to do with "trustworthiness" and everything to do with the potential for misunderstanding. In every deal … [Read more...] about Do you Need a Formal Contract?
Adult Adoption in Texas
Adult Adoption is Rewarding for Many Families Adult adoption is a great choice for many families. There are several reasons why a person (or a couple) may choose to adopt an adult. In a step family situation, a stepparent may have raised a child, or been part of the family for many years. Perhaps the biological parent was unavailable or unwilling to allow an adoption while the child was … [Read more...] about Adult Adoption in Texas
What to do When a Loved One is Terminally Ill
If you are caring for a loved one who is ill and worrying about the future, here is some information that may help you. It can be difficult to know how to divide your time when a loved one is terminally ill. Providing for their medical and emotional needs comes first, and then you also must find some time to take care of yourself. Very often, the "business end" of things is an ever-present … [Read more...] about What to do When a Loved One is Terminally Ill
Where we Started From; a Look Back
From Bob Kalish's 1984 TV Commercial on Woodlands Cable By Laura Kalish It is hard to believe that Kalish Law Office has been a fixture in The Woodlands for 35 years. So, on our 35th anniversary, I’m going to take a break from our usual informational blog posts and do a bit of reminiscing. Bob started the practice in 1984. There were relatively few law firms in The … [Read more...] about Where we Started From; a Look Back
