When someone passes away (commonly referred to as a “decedent”), one of the first things to do is determine whether the decedent left a will. If the decedent did leave a will, it must go through the probate process in court before the property can be distributed to their beneficiaries. The probate process can be complicated. Sometimes, after a will is...
Continue ReadingAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, marriage rates throughout the United States have steadily declined since the 1980s. However, that doesn’t mean there are fewer people in committed relationships. In fact, studies show that the number of Americans living with an unmarried partner is growing, indicating the public’s shift on perceptions of marriage. That...
Continue ReadingSetting up a living trust is often a highly efficient method of maintaining control over your assets while preparing to pass them on to descendants. However, you must take steps to prepare your assets for the trust. Transferring ownership of your property to your trust is one such step. Ensuring that a trust officially owns all the assets you...
Continue ReadingA properly formed and executed estate plan can ensure loved ones benefit from all a decedent’s property once they pass. Unfortunately, not everyone can perfectly manage their assets and make the proper arrangements to pass them on with little effort. Sometimes, valuable property can fall through the cracks. During the probate process, the families of the deceased relative might...
Continue ReadingThe Texas Estates Code sets out a process for overseeing the distribution of an estate’s assets. Intestate estates (those where the decedent left no will), and an estate with assets that are not exempt, must go through probate. Though the process is relatively straightforward, several issues that might interrupt the distribution of the estate to heirs can arise. From...
Continue ReadingProbate can be a long, complicated process. Between the filings, deadlines, and court hearings, people often ask, Do I need an attorney for probate? In most cases, the answer is yes. However, even when a probate attorney isn’t required by law, their services are invaluable and can often save you time and money when probating an estate. What Is...
Continue ReadingWorries about the costs of estate planning are normal. Unfortunately, these worries often lead to prolonged procrastination. Many Americans let their concerns about costs stop them from formulating an estate plan. In fact, less than half of Americans have a will. Without a will, you are putting your estate and your loved ones in a bad position once you...
Continue ReadingAfter a person dies, their estate must go through an official legal process before it is distributed to beneficiaries. This process ensures that the estate pays its debts and gets distributed according to the decedent’s wishes if they left a will or state law if they did not leave a will. This process is called probate. However, not all...
Continue ReadingWriting a will can provide many benefits to our families once we pass on. A will can prevent conflict between family members, clearly explain how property is to be distributed, and reduce our family’s costs in probate court. Any one of these goals makes the initial effort well worth it. Unfortunately, less than half of Americans have a written...
Continue ReadingMaking a will is often a sensitive subject. Will your beneficiaries be pleased with your bequests, or will they be disappointed with how you have chosen to distribute your assets? If you are worried that disappointed or disgruntled beneficiaries might try to contest your will, you might consider including a no-contest clause in your will in Texas. What is...
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