Blog


Mar

7

2024

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Do I Need A Living Trust? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Many people have heard the term living trust and think it is a magical estate planning tool for everyone. For some people, a living trust truly is a smart way to handle their estate, but for others, it is an unnecessary expense.

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Feb

22

2024

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Use This Slick Trick To Transfer Real Estate Without Probate In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Texas law has recognized an estate planning trick that is extremely effective to help avoid probate and is low cost, called a deed with an enhanced retained life estate or “Lady Bird” deed. This tool can be used for all types of real estate interests.

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Feb

22

2024

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Advance Care Planning Tools To Help Avoid Probate

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Sometimes, even when a person has drawn up a Will, probate of the Will may not be necessary. Advance planning with probate-alternative documents can avoid the need for probate in many cases.

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Feb

15

2024

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What Is A Muniment Of Title Probate, And When Is It Appropriate?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Texas law provides for a shortened, less complicated, less expensive form of probate in specific circumstances. This is called probate as a muniment of title. It is a simple process compared to a full, regular probate.

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Feb

7

2024

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Cost Of A Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreement

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

I have written about how a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be an element in an effective financial plan or an estate plan. Many people believe that it is very expensive to have a prenup or postnup drawn up. The expense will depend totally on the situation, and may not be nearly as large as you might think.

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Feb

1

2024

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When Can You Do A Small Estate Affidavit Procedure In Texas?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Has a loved one passed away without a Will? In some cases, you can avoid a lot of frustration by using a Small Estate Affidavit to legally transfer assets at very little expense to you.

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Jan

24

2024

image for Do You Have a Blended Family? Estate Planning is Critical for You

Do You Have a Blended Family? Estate Planning is Critical for You

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Estate planning is especially important for people with blended families in the state of Texas. Without a Will, probate issues can be complicated and the result may not be what the deceased person might have wanted. If you have a blended family, here's how to provide for your estate to pass as you desire.

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Jan

22

2024

image for It's Not Too Late For A 'Postnup' Agreement

It's Not Too Late For A 'Postnup' Agreement

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Even if you are married, it’s not too late to outline how your property will be classified, how your joint finances will be handled, and how you will support children from prior marriages. Find out how to set up a postnup agreement for your estate planning.

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Jan

17

2024

image for Do I Have To Probate If There Was A Will?

Do I Have To Probate If There Was A Will?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

I have addressed in another blog several steps that can be taken as part of the estate planning process that help avoid the need for probate. If those steps were not taken, a full probate still may not be needed.

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Jan

15

2024

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Cost Of Incorporation

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

If an attorney handles incorporation for you, he or she should take all of the steps necessary to set you up to go forward conducting business according to sound legal requirements to preserve the protection that is a primary goal of incorporation. This would include filing a certificate of formation with the secretary of state, drawing up initial bylaws or operating agreement (for a LLC), drawing up minutes of the organizational meeting, issuing stock or membership interests (for a LLC), and providing forms for minutes on an ongoing basis.

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