Residents of Texas should use Texas-specific estate planning documents to ensure compliance with state laws. Key trust provisions protect homesteads under Section 41.0021 and qualify for tax exemptions under Section 11.13(j)(3). Wills must include the Texas self-proving affidavit to avoid probate issues. Generic documents can lead to legal and financial complications.
Non-grantor irrevocable trusts are frequently described online as advanced tools that eliminate taxes, protect assets, and allow flexibility without giving up control. If you have searched for phrases like non-grantor irrevocable trust tax, complex discretionary trust, or irrevocable trust that avoids income tax, you are not alone. These trusts are real legal structures. The issue […]
What Is Probate in Texas? Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. It involves proving a will’s validity, appointing an executor, identifying property, paying debts, and distributing what remains to heirs or beneficiaries. While that may sound straightforward, the probate process in Texas can take months, sometimes more […]
Can You Trust AI Estate Planning? Artificial intelligence can do a lot these days. It can write emails, summarize legal statutes, and even write articles like this one (edited by a real attorney). But before you ask ChatGPT to write your will or trust, it’s important to understand the difference between information and experience — […]
Choosing the right financial agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning for the future. A financial agent handles your assets, pays bills, and manages investments if you become unable to handle these tasks yourself. Picking someone you trust—and who has the skills to manage different types of assets—ensures that your […]
A power of attorney (POA for short) is one of the most important tools in a complete estate plan. It allows someone else to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or medical matters—either temporarily or permanently, depending on the type you choose. But many Texans are surprised to learn that a POA isn’t a […]
Many Texans mistakenly believe that filling out beneficiary forms is enough to handle what happens to their property after they pass away. While these forms are important, they are not a replacement for a comprehensive estate plan. Relying only on beneficiary designations can create major problems for your loved ones—problems that could have been avoided […]
A common question we get is “Can you own and hunt with a suppressor in Texas?” Yes, you absolutely can—and many hunters already do. Suppressors (also known as silencers) are legal to possess in Texas as long as you follow the federal registration process under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Many Texans choose to register […]
Muchas personas creen que se necesita ciudadanía estadounidense para hacer un testamento. Pero la realidad es distinta: sí puedes hacer un testamento para no ciudadanos en Texas, y es totalmente válido bajo la ley estatal. Ya seas residente permanente, titular de visa o estés en el país de forma temporal, puedes proteger a tus seres […]
Cuando comienzas a planificar tu patrimonio en Texas, una de las decisiones más importantes es si necesitas un testamento o fideicomiso. Ambos documentos sirven para dejar tus bienes, pero funcionan de manera muy distinta bajo la ley de Texas. Entender cómo se adapta un testamento o fideicomiso a tus metas te ayudará a proteger mejor […]
Si hablas español, quizás te preguntes si un testamento en español es válido en Texas. La respuesta es sí. Sin embargo, hay detalles importantes que debes conocer para evitar problemas en el futuro. Aunque la ley de Texas permite testamentos en otros idiomas, los tribunales solo trabajan en inglés. Por eso, cualquier testamento en español […]