When you create an estate plan in Texas, you have multiple legal tools you can use to carry out your legal or financial goals. Many people develop wills as part of their estate plans. However, some individuals and families also use trusts to implement their estate planning objectives. But can a trust replace a will…
Many people in Texas who create an estate plan include a will as part of their estate planning documents. However, when making a will, you may wonder about the requirements you must meet for your will to become valid and enforceable after your death. Specifically, do you need to have your will notarized for a…
When a person passes away, the distribution of their estate assets occurs through the probate process by default. Unfortunately, the court-supervised nature of probate can add time and financial cost to distributing inheritances to a decedent’s heirs or beneficiaries. Fortunately, various legal options can help mitigate or eliminate the need for probate to distribute inheritances…
When you create an estate plan, you may have various legal strategies you can use to carry out your financial and legal goals. Many people in Texas choose to incorporate wills and trusts into their estate plans. But could you face situations where you should use a trust instead of a will to accomplish your…
A will allows you to appoint an executor/executrix to administer your estate after your death and direct the distribution of your estate assets. However, various circumstances can undermine the validity of a will under Texas law, allowing a court to reject the will in favor of an earlier will or state intestacy law. But what…
You may know that a will allows you to appoint an executor for your estate after your death and direct the distribution of your assets. But what happens if you die without a will in Texas? Understanding Intestacy Laws State intestacy laws govern the distribution of deceased people’s assets when they pass away without leaving…
You will likely develop a last will and testament when creating an estate plan. However, individuals may make mistakes that could jeopardize the validity and effectiveness of their will. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Texas can help you avoid many common errors that others make when drafting wills. Failing to Meet Legal…
When you create an estate plan, you may make a will to appoint an executor to manage your estate and direct the disposition of your assets after your death. But what requirements do you have to meet to ensure your executor and family can enforce your will under Texas law? Basic Requirements for Wills in…
Individuals and families frequently use trusts as an estate planning tool. A trust is a legal structure in which a person can place their assets under the management of a trustee, who must manage the assets per the terms of the trust document. The trust document may allow a trustee to distribute income or principal…
Many individuals and families in Texas use trusts as part of their estate plans due to benefits such as minimizing probate costs/paperwork, maintaining the confidentiality of family wealth, and offering tax benefits based on the trust’s structure. However, various kinds of trusts can have disadvantages that individuals and families should consider when including a trust…
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