What is something were to happen to you? Would someone be able to carry on for you while you were ill and recovering? What if you were to die unexpectedly? Is there at least one other person who knows where to find "all the important stuff"? Whenever I talk with a client about planning ahead, I talk to them about more than just drafting legal documents. Yes, a Will and Powers of Attorney are … [Read more...] about Organizing Important Information “Just in Case”
disability
For Health Care Practitioners- Changes in Texas Guardianship Law
There are some fairly recent changes to Texas guardianship law that affect health care practitioners. It is now imperative that alternatives to guardianship are considered and documented. Since judges are required by law to consider all least restrictive alternatives to guardianship before granting a guardianship, this means that all other professionals involved must consider these alternatives … [Read more...] about For Health Care Practitioners- Changes in Texas Guardianship Law
Alternatives to Guardianship
Do you suspect that you may need to seek a guardianship for a loved one? There may be an alternative.... If your loved one is becoming unable to take care of his or her own affairs, you may be thinking about seeking a formal guardianship. If your loved one is still competent to make decisions now (even if you suspect that that may not be the case in the future), you may need to act right … [Read more...] about Alternatives to Guardianship
What Happens to Social Media Accounts When Someone Dies?
Have you ever considered what would happen to your social media accounts and digital assets if you were to die? There are steps you can take right now, AND you can make "digital asset planning" part of your Estate Plan. You can have language put in your will that ultimately leaves your digital assets to a certain beneficiary and/or specifies that your Executor will be able to access and … [Read more...] about What Happens to Social Media Accounts When Someone Dies?
What happens if you become Ill or Injured while your Divorce is Pending
So.. you've filed for divorce. You are certain that the marriage cannot be saved. If something were to happen to you after your divorce is filed, but before it becomes final, what would happen? Who would make the medical decisions if you couldn't speak for yourself? In Texas, there is no such thing as a "legal separation". You are either married, or you aren't. Let's explore what would … [Read more...] about What happens if you become Ill or Injured while your Divorce is Pending
Powers of Attorney for Specific Events
Did you know that you can give power of attorney to someone you trust for a specific event or to cover a specific time? Well, you can! The most common use of a specific power of attorney involves real estate closings. A seller of a property who is leaving the area may not wish to return to the area simply for the purpose of signing the final paperwork. In fact, returning for that one … [Read more...] about Powers of Attorney for Specific Events
When Child Support Under the Guidelines is Not Enough
In addition to the general child support guidelines, the Texas Family Code also lists additional factors that may be considered by a judge in awarding child support outside the guidelines (either more or less support than would be ordered by applying strict guidelines). For instance, the party who has primary care of the child may have physical limitations him/herself, may be unemployed … [Read more...] about When Child Support Under the Guidelines is Not Enough
The 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"). This was the first comprehensive law to protect the civil rights of Americans with Disabilities. We are now used to seeing wheelchair ramps, handicapped parking spaces and telephone or ATM options for people with disabilities. But, 25 years ago, these everyday items were not common. The ADA has made … [Read more...] about The 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
