Community Property Basics
As you may know, Texas is a community property state. This means that Texas law differentiates between community property, which…
Will or Trust? Or Both?
In general, estate plans are either will-based or trust-based. Both wills and trusts are powerful estate planning mechanisms (and each…
Demystifying Probate: What You Need to Know
probate (noun): the process of winding up the affairs of a person who has passed away. The concept of probate can…
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan? (Spoiler Alert: Yes)
If you don’t have an estate plan, the state of Texas will ultimately decide who receives your property after your…
Massingill Appointed to Texas Bar Committee
Joshua Massingill, Principal Attorney at Norton & Massingill, PLLC – a boutique law firm in Cedar Park, Texas practicing in…
Thanks, But No Thanks: Reasons to Disclaim Inheritances
The “laughing heir” (one who inherits property and laughs all the way to the bank because his relation to the…
Lame Excuses for Not Devising a Comprehensive Estate Plan
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about planning their estate. It’s complex, daunting, and quite boring. (Editors’ Note: We…
Do I need an estate plan even if I’m not wealthy?
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for wealthy people. In reality, there are a multitude of reasons…