Most people have heard of trusts but few know exactly what they are. So, what is a trust? A trust is a method of ownership of property that divides management of trust property from ownership of trust property. The trustee holds trust property for the benefit of a beneficiary. The trustee has the fiduciary duty […]
The marital relationship has wide-ranging impact throughout the legal world. Inheritance, creditor liability, personal liability, tax liability, employment benefits, Medicaid benefits, social security benefits—to name but a few—are all impacted by one’s marital status.
Defining A Marital Relationship Read More »
Texas provides a number of robust protections for the surviving spouse both during and following the probate of the deceased spouse’s estate.
Protections for the Surviving Spouse in Texas Probate Read More »
Texas is one of a relatively few states that continues to recognize common law marriage. Because marital status determines division of property upon death, whether you and your partner are in a common law marriage will impact your estate plan and the division of assets upon death.
Common Law Marriage in Texas Read More »
Dying without a will in Texas is also called dying “intestate.” When a person dies intestate, Texas laws determine who will receive the individual’s property. For property to transfer after death, it usually, though not always, must go through probate. Probate is the process of collecting and transferring title of an individual’s assets following his
Dying Without a Will in Texas Read More »
There are three general ways of revoking a will in Texas: through subsequent writing, by a physical act upon the will, or by operation of law.
How Do You Revoke a Will in Texas? Read More »
Decisions regarding end of life care and treatment involve deeply personal and often very difficult choices. In a lovely and moving article published in the Wall Street Journal, the author documents her mother’s end of life choices.
End of Life Planning Read More »
A guardianship is essentially when a a court appoints a legal representative to to manage the financial affairs and/or day-to-day needs of the ward.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Guardianships Read More »
Probate is the process of collecting and transferring title of an individual’s assets following his or her death, as well as settling debts owed by the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Probate Process in Texas Read More »
