Blog


Mar

22

2023

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

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. This funny-sounding procedure really means that your loved one's Will is officially recognized as valid by the probate court. It then becomes part of the public record in the county where the probate was filed as notice to third parties to honor the terms of the Will to transfer property to the beneficiaries. This is a simple process compared to a full, regular probate.

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Mar

16

2023

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6 Compelling Reasons to Have a Living Trust

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

There are at least six really good reasons for you to have a living trust in your estate planning package.

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Mar

8

2023

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The Cost Of A Full Dependent Administration In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In this series of blogs, I have outlined various different types of probates and probate alternatives to help you settle an estate and understand the potential costs. A dependent administration is significantly more expensive than any other type of probate. Wise estate planning could avoid this high cost.

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Mar

1

2023

image for Avoid Probate: 3 Easy Estate Planning Tools

Avoid Probate: 3 Easy Estate Planning Tools

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

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.

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Feb

16

2023

image for Worried About A Loved One's Ability To Take Care Of Their Own Affairs?

Worried About A Loved One's Ability To Take Care Of Their Own Affairs?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

The time to seriously review all of a loved one's financial and estate planning affairs is in the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimer's. Progression of the degree of incapacity varies from person to person. A visit to a physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan should be your first priority. A visit to an attorney should be next.

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Feb

1

2023

image for What Is A Small Estate Affidavit Proceeding And What Does It Cost?

What Is A Small Estate Affidavit Proceeding And What Does It Cost?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In this series of blogs, I am outlining various different types of probates or probate alternatives to settle an estate and their likely costs. As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, the cost is predominantly determined by the type of procedure followed.

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Jan

18

2023

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

11

2023

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Why You Need A Living Will And Medical Power Of Attorney

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

If you have ever gone through a hospital admissions process, you've likely been asked if you have a living will (also known as a directive to physicians) and a medical power of attorney. Here are the main benefits of both—and why they're worth the investment.

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Jan

3

2023

image for The Average Cost Of A Determination Of Heirship Proceeding In Texas

The Average Cost Of A Determination Of Heirship Proceeding In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In some situations where a loved one passes away without a Will, you may need a determination of heirship in order to pass on their estate. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you have an experienced attorney to guide you through the steps involved. Otherwise, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the process.

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Dec

20

2022

image for How Do I Avoid Needing a Guardianship For Myself Or A Loved One?

How Do I Avoid Needing a Guardianship For Myself Or A Loved One?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Pre-planning is necessary to avoid needing a guardianship. People live much longer these days, and Dementia and Alzheimers are a common issue families face with loved ones or themselves. Pre-planning to deal with incapacity is very smart.

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