What exactly is estate planning? Is it the same thing as making a will? How does a person decide if and when to contact an estate planning attorney? How does "estate planning" differ from "making a will"? They are related. Actually "making a will" is one part of estate planning. Estate planning for an individual or couple can include a lot more than just making a will and should … [Read more...] about What Exactly is Estate Planning?
wills and trusts
Covid 19 Tip # 6. Have a Current Will
It is very important to have a current will. I cannot emphasize this enough. Even though it is always important, it is not something that people enjoy thinking about. Over years of practicing law and helping thousands of people with their estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, and business planning, our attorneys have found that we have a more receptive audience when there is some type of … [Read more...] about Covid 19 Tip # 6. Have a Current Will
Covid 19 Tip # 5: Organize Your Passwords
Today is Day #5 of our Covid 19 Tips. For previous tips, see our blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and Google Business Page. We will update and add to these tips regularly. The whole point of preparedness is to be ready for an unusual situation. The current coronavirus situation certainly applies. But, just in case you are tempted to say "this will all be over soon, so I don't need to … [Read more...] about Covid 19 Tip # 5: Organize Your Passwords
Should Your Adult Child Now be Named as Executor of Your Will?
If you have a Last Will and Testament that was created before your child turned 18 years old, you may now want to consider updating it. Updating a will can be done by either 1) having a new will that takes the place of the old one; or 2) doing a "codicil" which is a specifically worded and witnessed legal document that attaches to the current will. Once your child is an adult, you can … [Read more...] about Should Your Adult Child Now be Named as Executor of Your Will?
Having a Will is Important, Especially for Stepfamilies
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
Thinking About Writing on Your Original Will? Don’t do it!
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!
What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
According to Time Magazine Lists, the following are the "10 Most Commonly Broken New Year's Resolutions" Lose weight and get fit Quit Smoking Learn something new Eat healthier and diet Get out of debt and save money Spend more time with family Travel to new places Be less stressed Volunteer Drink Less What are your New Year's Resolutions, if any? Whenever a … [Read more...] about What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
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
