What does a marital agreement have to do with your Will? A Will gifts property at the end of life. To determine how to gift your property, it is necessary to know what you own. This is where a marital agreement enters the picture. Marriage changes your relationship to your property; once you are married, […]
Why A Marital Agreement May be Necessary to Your Estate Plan Read More »
Most people approach their Wills by considering to whom they want to leave their property; however, how they leave their property is equally important. When drafting a Will, consider implementation following death – i.e. the probate administration process. Your named executor is responsible for implementing your instructions in your Will. He will have a legal
The Gift of Clarity in Your Will Read More »
Texas law offers a variety of protections for a surviving spouse after death of a spouse, including the right to reside in the homestead. Upon death, the surviving spouse or minor children may request exclusive use of the home. In fact, the surviving spouse has the right to occupy the home exclusively for the rest
The Homestead Right of A Spouse in Texas Read More »
Whether you are the named executor of a loved one’s Will or you’re considering whom to name as executor of your own Will, it’s important to understand the role and duties of an executor. The job of an executor can be daunting; it comes with a lot of responsibility and, often, little reward. An executor,
Executor Duties in Texas Read More »
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 »
Probate 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
Probate 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 »
