Estate planning involves creating legal documents that provide instructions for your loved ones. Those documents become active after you die or if you cannot communicate your wishes. This article explores the estate planning services to expect when you work with an estate planning attorney, from creating a will to using trusts and similar assets and preparing for later life. ...
Continue ReadingMany believe creating a will is enough to plan for what happens before and after death. However, estate planning involves a broad range of tools and strategies designed to manage your property, finances, and healthcare decisions during your life and after. Understanding the difference between estate planning vs. a will—that a will is one component of a complete estate...
Continue ReadingTexas is one of only five states that offer ladybird deeds, a powerful estate planning tool. Included in this blog: So what is a ladybird deed, and why is it so special? A ladybird deed allows property owners to transfer ownership of their property to someone they select as a beneficiary upon their death. The deed bypasses the probate...
Continue ReadingProbate gets a bad rap, and for a good reason. There are deadlines to meet, fees to pay, and hearings to attend—all while trying to grieve the loss of your loved one. Navigating an unfamiliar legal proceeding is probably the last thing you want to do during such an emotionally charged time. Luckily, there are ways of avoiding probate...
Continue ReadingSeveral factors can complicate the estate planning process. Owning properties in multiple states is one example. Moving to a new state or splitting time between states is another. It’s essential to consider these factors when creating or updating an estate plan. Generally, a state court only has authority over property within its borders. Therefore if an estate consists of...
Continue ReadingThe probate process can be expensive and time-consuming, but don’t stress quite yet. Not all estates have to go through probate. So when is probate necessary in Texas? The short answer is, if someone dies leaving assets solely in their name, then you need to probate the estate. Is Probate Always Necessary? No. Probate is the legal process of...
Continue ReadingIn addition to handling your grief, you may have to go to probate court to figure out what to do with a loved one’s assets after they pass. Your court case might include questions about who gets the decedent’s home. So, can you live in a house during probate in Texas? Yes, but you might have to navigate a...
Continue ReadingIn the face of losing someone you love, probate can feel overwhelming. The process can be incredibly overwhelming because of all the unfamiliar terms that pop up in probate matters. Two big terms that come up early in probate cases are “executor” and “estate administrator.” Administrators and executors do many of the same things, but how do these roles...
Continue ReadingAn individual’s passing may close the door on many possibilities, but it doesn’t always close the door on civil suits against the recently departed. If someone passed while owing you money, you can seek repayment from the estate of the person who passed (the decedent). However, you must make your claim on time. How long do you have to...
Continue ReadingIt’s difficult to give an average cost of a will in Texas. Each law firm structures their fees differently and changes the amounts from time to time. Some attorneys offer a flat fee rate for a will, while others bill by the hour. How much a will costs in Texas depends on a variety of factors, such as: Let’s...
Continue Reading