Blog


Jan

2

2025

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What Is A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

A Will is a key part of an estate plan to make provisions for who receives the property you own on your death, who will be in charge of distributing the property, and who you would like to serve as guardian and trustee if you have minor beneficiaries. Without a Will, the cost of applying Texas Law of Intestacy will be much higher for your family, and your estate may be distributed in ways that don't align with your wishes.

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Nov

19

2024

image for Probate Process In Texas Is Not That Scary: The 6 Steps Of Texas Probate

Probate Process In Texas Is Not That Scary: The 6 Steps Of Texas Probate

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

The thought of having to do a probate for a deceased loved one is often scary. Although the legal process can appear complicated, an experienced probate attorney can comfortably guide you through the process. There are 6 steps you will need to follow, including filing the Will, attending a hearing, sending a notice to creditors, and distributing your loved one's Assets according to the terms of the Will.

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Oct

24

2024

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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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Sep

9

2024

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Top 10 Reasons You Need A Will

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

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.

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Aug

15

2024

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Why You Should Consider Prenups As Part Of Your Estate Plan

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

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.

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Apr

11

2024

image for Don't Be Afraid Of Probate: What Probate Is & How It Works [Probate Q&A Video Series]

Don't Be Afraid Of Probate: What Probate Is & How It Works [Probate Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

What is probate? Probate, while usually referred to as any legal action to handle an estate, is actually the administration of a Will upon the death of an individual.

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Jan

17

2024

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Do I Have To Probate If There Was A Will?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

When a loved one passes away, the answer to the question, "Do I have to probate their Will?" is often, "It depends." Texas has several shortcuts or alternatives to full probate that you may be able to utilize to avoid a costly and lengthy probate procedure. These include Probate as a muniment of title and an Affidavit of Heirship.

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Oct

11

2023

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Why You Should Start Estate Planning In Your 20s

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Estate planning isn't just for rich or older individuals. Even young, single 20-somethings should start thinking about how their property will be distributed in the event of a tragedy. Drawing up an estate plan is not as much an action you need to take for yourself, but one you should take for your loved ones. There are 4 elements of an estate plan you'll need to draw up: a Will, a Statutory Power of Attorney, a Medical Power of Attorney, and beneficiary designations.

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May

21

2020

image for COVID-19 Pandemic Reminds People They Are Mortal: Estate Planning Is Really Important Now

COVID-19 Pandemic Reminds People They Are Mortal: Estate Planning Is Really Important Now

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

If you've listened to the news over the last two months, you've learned that the COVID-19 virus can strike just about anyone just about any time, regardless of how careful you are or how healthy you are. The initial presumption that COVID-19 was only a serious concern for elderly, otherwise health-compromised people has proven untrue. Because of that, I have received lots of calls from clients of all ages who suddenly realized it might be time for them to look at doing their estate planning.

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Apr

4

2019

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Should I Incorporate?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Three key factors that go into making the decision of whether to incorporate or not are; Liability Protection For Personal Assets, Income Tax Pros & Cons, Business Management Pros & Cons.

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