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 […]
Category Archives: Wills and Trusts
Learn how Texas wills and trusts work, how they differ, and which estate planning approach may fit your family, assets, and goals.
Watch Austin Explain: Will vs. Trust in Texas: Which One Do You Actually Need? Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. 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 […]
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 […]
Current SECURE Act guidance for inherited IRAs: the 10-year rule, possible annual distributions, eligible-beneficiary exceptions, and naming a trust as beneficiary.
Estate Planning Isn’t Defeat: A Vital Step for Peace of Mind During Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of supporting those facing a life-changing diagnosis. For many individuals battling cancer, estate planning is a task that gets put off due to a fear that taking this step somehow signals giving […]
Many people believe that trust planning is only necessary for those with large estates, but this is far from the truth. Trusts are valuable regardless of the amount of wealth you have. While estate size can matter, especially when it comes to estate tax planning, most trusts are set up for reasons that have nothing […]
You might wonder, “If the law already dictates that my loved ones will inherit my property under intestate succession, why bother with a will or trust?” While intestate succession laws in Texas do ensure that certain family members inherit, relying on those laws alone can lead to delays, higher costs, and unintended complications. Creating a […]
When planning your estate, choosing the right tool to ensure your assets pass smoothly to your heirs is crucial. For real estate, many people consider a Ladybird Deed. While a Ladybird Deed can be effective for simple transfers, it has significant limitations compared to a trust. This article will explain why a trust is often […]
When planning for the future, it’s important to consider estate tax, especially when you intend to pass on significant assets. Understanding how these taxes work, the current laws in Texas, and how they might affect your estate is crucial to ensuring that your loved ones are not burdened with unexpected tax liabilities. Watch Austin Explain: […]
A Texas Declaration of Guardian records who should—and should not—serve if guardianship becomes necessary, providing a backup to powers of attorney and trusts.