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 […]
Category Archives: Wills and Trusts
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 […]
Yes, you can create a trust online in Texas. However, the trust must include specific provisions to comply with both the Texas Property Code and the Texas Tax Code to ensure it is a valid and qualifying trust. Using a generic trust form that is not tailored for Texas could lead to significant issues with […]
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, […]
Many Texans wonder if an online will is a valid way to ensure their estate is handled according to their wishes. While it’s possible for an online will to be valid in Texas, it must meet strict legal requirements. Not all online services provide wills that comply with Texas law, and improper signing can render […]