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The Risks Of Online & DIY Estate Planning
Many people turn to free online forms or online templates to complete their estate planning, rather than meeting with an attorney. Unfortunately, there are many unexpected consequences to online or DIY estate planning. These "cheaper" options can lead to your Will being contested, invalidated, or requiring extra expense to probate. It can also result in an outcome that isn’t what you would have wanted. When it comes to estate planning in Texas, working with an experienced probate attorney is the best way to ensure your assets and wishes are protected.
Read MoreCaution: Be Sure You Have Designated Primary & Successor Beneficiaries
Have you selected successor beneficiaries on your life insurance, retirement accounts, investments, and bank accounts? Now is a good time to double-check.
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons You Need A Will
There are many reasons people put off creating a Will. However, this decision can cost your family a lot of money and heartache in the long run. It can also lead to your estate being distributed in ways that you would not want. Drawing up a Will provides a number of benefits, from allowing you to choose exactly how your estate will be distributed to providing for stepchildren or restricting the rights of the surviving spouse to change a joint plan for the distribution of assets.
Read MoreTips To Foreclose On A Real Estate Lien
Lien foreclosure gives you a process to recover some or all of the money still owed you. Unfortunately, you are going to have to deal with very complicated, tricky legal foreclosure steps to get there. When you are faced with foreclosing on your lien, you will need to get an attorney, follow their advice closely, be patient, and be prepared to resell the property if needed.
Read MoreAvoid Probate: 3 Easy Estate Planning Tools
Here are three simple tools that help you pass on assets at death without the necessity of probate, saving all parties money, time, and stress.
Read MoreWhy You Should Consider Prenups As Part Of Your Estate Plan
Prenups may be beneficial to a couple marrying, whether or not they are rich and famous. They are not just a contingency plan for a possible divorce. In fact, prenups can be an important tool for your estate plan, particularly if you have children from a previous relationship or more property going into the marriage.
Read MoreThe Top 5 Reasons People Put Off Drawing Up A Will (And Why You Never Should)
Preparing a Will is a smart, compassionate, financially wise, and easy thing to do. So, stop making excuses, and do it! Anyone who has been through settling an estate for a loved one who failed to make a Will can attest to how much they would have preferred the alternative.
Read MoreWhat Do I Do If A Loved One Dies Without A Will?
When a loved one dies without a Will in Texas, you have three options: 1) if statutory requirements are met, a Small Estate Affidavit probate, 2) a formal court Determination of Heirship and estate administration, or 3) an informal Affidavit of Heirship document. These are the steps involved in these proceedings, as well as best practices to follow.
Read MoreHow Do You Obtain Guardianship For An Incompetent Parent?
Obtaining guardianship for a parent or loved one who can no longer care for themselves is often overwhelming. Here are the 10 basic steps involved in the process. Obtaining guardianship powers is not a do-it-yourself endeavor, so you will need the support of an experienced attorney to guide you through the process.
Read MoreIs There More Than One Type Of Probate For When There Is A Will? [Probate Q&A Video Series]
There are two types of probate where there is a Will in Texas that can be followed to distribute a loved one's estate after he or she passes away. Formal probate is a longer, more complex process. On the other hand, probate as a muniment of title is a simple and affordable way to ensure your loved one's assets are distributed as required in the Will. The type of probate applicable to your situation will depend on a number of factors.
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