Estate planning is evolving rapidly, driven by legal updates, tax law changes, and new strategies for protecting assets and ensuring a seamless transfer of wealth. From digital estate planning to evolving tax regulations, understanding these estate planning trends is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive and effective estate strategy. At Robbins Estate Law, we focus on helping clients navigate estate...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is the process of creating plans and legal documents to provide directions about how you would like your assets distributed after your death. Creating a comprehensive estate plan minimizes potential legal disputes, enables you to maximize the amount you leave to your loved ones, and provides financial security. By following the seven estate planning process steps, you...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is planning for the end of your life and what happens afterward. Unfortunately, estate planning myths abound, confusing many people, who may delay or avoid planning due to these widespread misconceptions. These myths can lead to increased expenses, legal issues, and other unintended consequences for your loved ones. This article debunks ten common estate planning myths to...
Continue ReadingEstate planning for families with significant assets requires more than drafting legal documents. Conversations about wealth distribution, responsibilities, and intentions shape the future of your estate and relationships among your heirs. If you have built a successful career and accumulated assets, discussing your plans with loved ones ensures that expectations are aligned and disputes are minimized. Starting this dialogue...
Continue ReadingEstate planning for high-net-worth families requires more than a basic will. Ensuring wealth remains protected, transitions smoothly, and aligns with long-term goals demands strategic legal and financial planning. Without clear instructions, assets may be subject to unnecessary taxation, mismanagement, or family disputes. Addressing these concerns early prevents complications for heirs. Structuring a plan with legal safeguards, tax efficiencies, and...
Continue ReadingMany people put off estate planning, believing they have plenty of time or assuming their assets will automatically pass to loved ones without issue. However, failing to create a legally sound estate plan can leave families facing financial hardships, unnecessary legal battles, and avoidable tax burdens. Texas law will determine how your estate is distributed, often with unintended consequences...
Continue ReadingMany people misunderstand common-law marriage, and assume that living with someone for a certain amount of time makes them legally married. However, for a couple to actually be common law married requires specific legal criteria to be met, which can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Many people don’t understand the legal nuances that separate it from traditional marriage. While common-law...
Continue ReadingWhen a person passes away, the surviving spouse has a right to claim a part of their estate. However, If another heir challenges your inheritance rights, the probate court may ask for legal proof of the marriage. If the marriage is “common-law” and not traditional, proving the marriage existed can be extremely expensive, difficult, and time consuming. Texas law recognizes...
Continue ReadingA will is a key estate planning document that instructs the court on managing your affairs after death. Unfortunately, the will is completely useless if you do not meet all the legal requirements and properly execute the document. Additionally, common mistakes can cause major issues, such as increased costs, legal disputes, and even accidental disinheritance. This blog explains what makes...
Continue ReadingGuardianship and power of attorney are two methods to handle the affairs of someone who cannot do so for themselves. Whether a disabling condition is temporary or permanent, both guardianship and power of attorney grant an individual the legal tools to make decisions for another person. When planning your estate, it is crucial to forecast a broad range of...
Continue Reading