A non-grantor irrevocable trust is a separate taxpayer—not a tax-free structure. Learn who reports trust income and why accounting labels do not erase tax.
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Watch Austin Explain: What is Probate? Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. 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 […]
Watch Austin Explain: Can you use AI tools like ChatGPT to write a will? Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. 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 […]
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 […]
Beneficiary forms transfer specific accounts, but they do not replace a coordinated Texas estate plan for probate assets, incapacity, and backup beneficiaries.
October 9, 2026 Update: ATF Policy Changed; Texan Has Discontinued Gun Trusts Texan Wills and Trusts no longer offers gun trusts. The federal requirements that drove many gun-trust purchases have changed substantially. In its October 9, 2026 open letter to federal firearms licensees and the public (pp. 1–3), ATF announced that, effective October 9, 2026, […]
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 […]