Estate Planning

Powers of Attorney in Texas Most people think estate planning is about what happens after they die. But some of the most important documents in your plan deal with what happens if you’re alive but unable to make decisions. What Is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in […]

Naming Guardians for Minor Children For parents of minor children, few estate planning decisions are more important than choosing guardians. While it’s difficult to imagine someone else raising your children, designating guardians in your will ensures that if the unthinkable happens, your children will be cared for by people you trust rather than by someone

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Marriage/Remarriage with Children from a Previous Relationship Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Especially in cases where one party has gotten married or remarried and has children from a previous relationship. This can create the dual desire to provide for your current spouse while also ensuring your children from

Transfer on Death Deeds For many Texans, their home is one of their most valuable asset. Naturally, they want to ensure it passes smoothly to their loved ones after death. One useful tool considered is the Transfer on Death Deed (also known as a TODD). What Is a Transfer on Death Deed? A Transfer on

What Is a Trust? Basically speaking, a trust for property is a legal plan that consists of the grantor or settlor, the trustee, and beneficiaries. You (the grantor or settlor) transfer your property to the trust where someone you choose (the trustee) manages that property for the people you want to benefit (the beneficiaries). The

Understanding Probate When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal process of settling their estate can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. Understanding how probate works in Texas can help you make informed decisions and ensure your loved one’s final wishes are honored while protecting the interests of beneficiaries and creditors. What is

The Role of a Last Will and Testament A Last Will and Testament is one of the most well-known estate planning tools. A will is a legal document that allows a person to state how their property should be distributed after death. While many people assume a will is straightforward, there are important details to

Many Texans are surprised to learn that if someone dies without a will, the State of Texas decides who inherits their property with no valid beneficiary designation. This is known as dying intestate, and the rules are set out in the Texas Estates Code. Understanding how intestacy works can help families see why having a