"Family heirlooms" can present a problem when drafting a will or when dividing property in an estate. When I am helping clients with their wills, I have noticed that this is often a sticking point. They sometimes agonize over which family member should inherit an item, a collection, or a piece of land. Since I help Executors in probate cases, I also see how heirlooms are ultimately divided. I … [Read more...] about Family Heirlooms: Gift or Guilt?
inheritance
What to Bring to a Will Consultation
So you are finally going to get your will done. This has probably been something that has been placed on your "to do" list and moved to the bottom time and time again. Once you have finally decided to proceed, you've called the estate planning lawyer and made the appointment. Now, what to bring to the appointment? Option One: nothing but a notepad. If you have never had a will before, … [Read more...] about What to Bring to a Will Consultation
Owning Property in Two Countries – What About Your Will?
When you own property in more than one country, you will need to be certain that you adequately prepare for this fact when working on your estate plan. For instance, if you own property in Texas, Mexico and Italy, you cannot write a Texas will and assume that it will be good enough to transfer the property in the other countries too. Likewise, you should have a Texas will to bequeath your Texas … [Read more...] about Owning Property in Two Countries – What About Your Will?
Adult Adoption in Texas
Adult adoption in Texas is a simpler process than adoption of a child. A person who has reached adulthood and is legally competent to speak for his/herself can make the decision to be legally adopted by another adult. In an adult adoption, there is no home study required. A biological parent does not need to be notified, and does not need to consent to the adoption of his/her child by … [Read more...] about Adult Adoption in Texas
