Widowhood is an emotionally devastating experience, often accompanied by significant health and financial challenges. Research published in the Annals of Epidemiology sheds light on the “widowhood effect,” which refers to the increased mortality rate among surviving spouses. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the first three months after a spouse’s death, with a 66% higher […]
Author Archives: Austin B. Butts, JD
Estate planning takes on unique considerations when oil and gas interests are involved. These valuable assets, whether they are mineral rights, royalties, or working interests, require careful planning to ensure they are managed and distributed efficiently after your death. Using a trust in your estate plan can help streamline the transfer of these assets and […]
Your revocable trust doesn’t need to change every time you add or remove assets. However, there are a few exceptions and important details to understand to ensure your estate plan remains effective. Assets are Tied to the Revocable Trust on the Asset Side, not on the Trust Side When you add an asset to a […]
Inflation and high cost of living was clearly an important issue the United States’ 2024 Presidential Election. People are looking for ways to reduce costs any way they can. Creating an estate plan may seem like an expense that can be pushed off for later, but the reality is that a well-structured plan can save […]
In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1499 (110th Congress), officially designating the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This resolution aims to highlight the importance of proper estate planning and encourage Americans to take steps to secure their financial and personal legacies. Many people mistakenly believe that estate […]
When people hear the word “probate,” it often brings to mind lengthy court battles and legal headaches. While the process can be frustrating, Texas has a relatively streamlined system compared to states like California and Florida. Still, dealing with a will in court is something most people would rather avoid. So, is the Texas process […]
One of the most critical responsibilities of parents is ensuring their children’s safety and well-being, even after they are no longer around. Designating a guardian for minor children is a key part of estate planning that many overlook. Without a clear plan in place, the legal process of appointing a guardian can be time-consuming, emotionally […]
Quick answer: Setting up a living trust in Texas usually involves five connected steps: choose the right trust, name the trustee and successor trustee, create the document, sign the plan correctly, and fund or coordinate the appropriate assets. A downloaded trust agreement is not the finish line. The result depends on the document, the signing […]
What Is a Revocable Living Trust? A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that allows individuals to manage their assets during their lifetime and efficiently distribute them upon death. Unlike a will, Texas law does not require that a revocable living trust be validated by a probate court, which can save time, […]
Quick answer: An online service can help you prepare a valid Texas will, but “online” describes how the document was created—not whether it is legally effective. A standard will still needs the right content, a qualified testator, and a Texas-compliant signing process. Written by Austin B. Butts, JD. Austin is a Texas attorney whose State […]