Planning for the Future for Non-Traditional Families

Some people are concerned that the new conservative 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court will roll back protections for non-traditional families. Regardless of the decisions at the Supreme Court, or the impact on the state family courts, there are many ways that non-traditional families can maintain control.
Why are Contingent Beneficiaries Important?

When planning your estate rarely will you experience difficulty naming your initial beneficiary or beneficiaries for your will, IRA’s or life insurance.
Do Texas Newcomers Need to Update Their Wills?

While legally you may not need all-new estate planning documents if you move to a different state, you should have your documents reviewed by a local attorney in your new home.
Who Pays Taxes, the Estate or Heirs?

The heirs of an estate can be liable to pay the estate or income taxes (and perhaps other obligations) of the estate.
What New Fathers Need to Know About Estate Planning

New fathers actively engaged in their children’s lives understand their responsibility to plan for the future. While the idea of parents dying and leaving young children without loving parents is unimaginable, it does happen.
Elder Law Essentials in Texas

Elder law is an aspect of estate planning focusing primarily on the needs of families and individuals as they age.
Beneficiary Battle over Presley Estate Reveals Possible Problems in Estate Planning

A badly in debt woman dies leaving the proceeds of substantial insurance policies to her children only to have her trust contested by relatives who claim an amendment naming the children as beneficiaries is invalid with no witnesses, misspelled names, suspicious signatures and was never given to previous trustees for review as required by agreement. A long, expensive, and protracted legal battle likely is brewing.
Can You Prevent Family Fights over Inheritance?

In early 2022, Bloomberg News reported that Americans can expect to inherit $72.6 trillion over the next quarter century—more than twice as much as a decade ago. With so much potential generational wealth on the line, there is always a risk that it will become the subject of a dispute.
What Is the Purpose of a Pet Trust?

Many well-off pet owners have left millions of dollars to their cats, dogs and even chickens—perhaps most notoriously Leona Helmsley, who left US$12 million when she died in 2007 to her white Maltese dog Trouble.
Why are Trusts a Good Idea?

Whether you are trying to protect your assets from possible creditors, prevent young heirs from spending their inheritance or minimize estate taxes, there is likely a trust for you.