A plain-English walkthrough of will contests in Texas — who can file, what grounds the law recognizes, how the process works step by step, and what it realistically costs. Covers Texas Estates Code Chapter 256, no-contest clauses, and practical advice for executors, beneficiaries, and potential contestants.
Read more
When you ask, “what are the disadvantages of probate,” the answer lies in how probate works.
Read more
HEMS stands for Health, Education, Maintenance, and Support — a distribution standard in trusts that provides tax benefits and asset protection for beneficiaries.
Read more
The Corporate Transparency Act requires many small business entities to report ownership information to FinCEN. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant.
Read more
The power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person to make decisions on behalf of another, especially in matters like finances and health care.
Read more
If you die without a valid will in Texas, state intestacy laws determine who gets your home. The results may not match what you had in mind.
Read more
Self-employed individuals face unique risks and planning challenges. Addressing disability, liability, and succession planning early can protect your business and family.
Read more
Financial advisors play a unique role in helping clients address end-of-life planning. This article explores how advisors can guide those difficult conversations.
Read more
A pour-over trust works as a safety net for your estate plan, catching any assets that weren't transferred into your living trust during your lifetime.
Read more
In Texas, guardianship can indeed override power of attorney under certain circumstances. This is crucial to understand when planning for your future or caring for a loved one.
Read more
Knowing what to leave out of your estate plan is just as important as knowing what to include. Certain items can create confusion or legal problems.
Read more
The term 'devise' has a specific legal meaning in estate planning. Understanding it can help you make better decisions about how your property is distributed.
Read more
Digital payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay don't disappear when you die. Planning for these accounts is an increasingly important part of estate planning.
Read more
Probate fees in Texas can vary widely, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the estate’s value. These costs cover legal, administrative, and court expenses during the probate process.
Read more
When a spouse passes away, their debts don't just disappear. Understanding which debts you may be responsible for is critical for surviving spouses in Texas.
Read more
Transfer-on-death deeds allow property owners to pass real estate directly to beneficiaries without probate, offering a simpler alternative to a living trust.
Read more
Whether your home is classified as community or separate property can have major implications for estate planning, divorce, and asset protection in Texas.
Read more
Bypassing a trust is a strategy some people use to avoid the complexities and costs associated with traditional estate planning.
Read more
A community property trust can be a powerful addition to a couple's estate plan, particularly for those with highly appreciated assets.
Read more
Modern families come in many forms. Estate planning needs to account for blended families, unmarried partners, same-sex couples, and other nontraditional structures.
Read more
Community property trusts can provide significant tax advantages by allowing a full stepped-up basis on assets after the first spouse's death.
Read more
A testamentary trust is a special type of trust that’s created as part of your will and only takes effect after you pass away.
Read more