| Read Time: 5 minutes | Wills

Texas Will Requirements: What Makes a Will Valid?

A 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Power of Attorney

Guardianship vs. Power Of Attorney: What Is the Difference?

Guardianship 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

| Read Time: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

What Are the Services Associated with Estate Planning?

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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

What’s the Difference Between a Will and Estate Planning?

Many 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

What Is a Ladybird Deed?

Texas 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

How to Avoid Probate in Texas: The Dos & Don’ts

Probate 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Wills

Does Texas Recognize Wills from Other States?

Several 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

When Is Probate Necessary & Not Necessary in Texas?

The 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

Can You Live in a House During Probate? 

In 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 Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Probate

Estate Administrator vs. Executor: Key Differences 

In 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 Reading