Taking the time to create a plan for your family is very important. It is even more important in stepfamilies. In the State of Texas, if you don't make the decision on how you want your property divided, then the laws of the state will. For instance, if you are married now, and have children from a previous marriage or relationship, the law specifies how your personal property and real … [Read more...] about Having a Will is Important, Especially for Stepfamilies
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Tax Problems of Actor James Gandolfini’s Heirs Illustrate Need for Estate Planning
Why go to the trouble of estate planning? The recent death of Soprano's actor James Gandolfini illustrates the need for careful, individual estate planning. The actor had a large estate, and he had a will. But sometimes a will just isn't enough! In this case, the will WAS enough to make his wishes known, to allow his beneficiaries to know that he cared for them, and to designate how he … [Read more...] about Tax Problems of Actor James Gandolfini’s Heirs Illustrate Need for Estate Planning
Help for Senior Citizens in Avoiding Scams
Scammers and con artists are always updating their knowledge and refining their game. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable and some scammers "specialize" in targeting this particular group. Fraudulent letters, emails, and phone calls are getting more and more sophisticated. Recently, the Texas Office of Attorney General ("OAG") issued an alert aimed at helping prevent these tragedies. … [Read more...] about Help for Senior Citizens in Avoiding Scams
What Everyone Should Know About Texas Wills and Estate Planning
What’s the first thing that you think of when someone asks you why you should have a will or estate plan in place? “To protect my family”, someone might answer. “To name a guardian for my child,” someone else might say. Someone else might answer, “My attorney helped me with a combination business plan and estate plan so that my personal assets were protected and separate from my business … [Read more...] about What Everyone Should Know About Texas Wills and Estate Planning
Basic Facts About Adult Adoption in Texas
Adoption of an adult can be a fairly straightforward process. The adoptee’s biological parents do not need to be notified of the adoption and are not entitled to have a voice in the proceedings. There are many reasons to proceed with a formal adoption, even after the “child” reaches adulthood. The most common situation is one in which a step-parent has wanted to adopt the … [Read more...] about Basic Facts About Adult Adoption in Texas
