Recent Blog Posts
Joint Account Assets Could Potentially Go Through Probate Process
Joint accounts with a right of survivorship are a typical form of bank account for spouses or other family members. The benefit of a joint account with rights of survivorship is that full ownership of the account is meant to automatically transfer to the survivor or survivors upon one owner’s death, without needing to… Read More »
3 Ways to Fund a Small Business or Startup in Texas
Starting a business can be a tricky process for a variety of reasons. From deciding whether to start from scratch or purchase part or all of an existing business, to determining where to incorporate, to choosing the appropriate type of business entity, there are a lot of decisions that can have a lasting impact… Read More »
Keeping the Peace after You Pass – How a Corporate Trustee Can Help
Rarely do siblings always get along. Even in adulthood, childhood spats, jealousy, and resentment can rear their ugly heads. Sadly, the death of a parent can trigger these feelings, especially if one or more siblings is unhappy with the outcome of their parent’s estate plan. Sometimes, a parent intentionally leaves one child a larger… Read More »
When to Start Estate Planning
Short answer: now. Long answer: keep reading… Everyone should consider estate planning upon reaching adulthood and then review their estate plans periodically, making updates when necessary to reflect life changes. And when you think about all the potential milestones in a person’s life—marriage, children, divorce, remarriage, more children, stepchildren, adulthood of children, marriage of… Read More »
Don’t Put Your Trust in the Wrong Place
Whom can you trust when it comes to trusts? Not everyone. A reputable estate planning attorney will help you create an estate plan that’s unique to you, which may very well include a revocable living trust, charitable trust, or other helpful types of trusts depending on your wishes and needs. But not all trusts… Read More »
Only in Texas – Streamlining the Probate Process with Muniment of Title
Few people have heard the phrase “muniment of title,” let alone know what it means. But you should. This in-Texas-only legal procedure can make probate simpler, faster, and less expensive if you qualify for it. Read on for more information about probating a will by muniment of title, and if you’ve recently lost a… Read More »
Recent Texas Case Shows Specific Language is Key to Ensuring a Trust is Enforced Properly
A recent opinion from the Fourth Court of Appeals in Texas illustrates the importance of having a lawyer draft or review the language in any trust to make sure that the grantor’s wishes are properly laid out. Continue reading to learn about the case and why specific language is key to ensuring enforced trusts…. Read More »
Choosing a Business Entity for Your Texas Small Business
There are seemingly countless varieties of business entities to select among when you’re starting a small business. You may feel overwhelmed by the options, unsure of which type of business will provide the greatest income and tax benefits for your particular endeavor. Below, you’ll find a summary of some of the most common types… Read More »
Basics of the Probate Process in Texas
If you’ve been named the executor of the estate of someone you care about in their will, you may be intimidated at the prospect of fulfilling your duties properly and efficiently. Probate can be a complex and confusing process, made even more challenging when the deceased person was a beloved parent, spouse or friend…. Read More »
Make Life Easier for Your Heirs by Consolidating Your Estate
Your heirs will have a lot to handle upon your death. Not only will they be in mourning, but they will also have to locate all the important documents and sift through the property you’ve left behind to prepare for the distribution of your assets. With some forward thinking, you can make this process… Read More »
