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What Is The Simplest Probate In Texas When There Is No Will?
If your loved one died without a Will, transferring his or her assets to beneficiaries can be quite difficult. If no action is taken, assets will not be properly transferred and the beneficiaries will have to take some legal action down the road to straighten out the situation. In some cases, a costly determination of heirship proceeding and dependent administration of the estate may be required.
Read MoreThe Difference Between Statutory Transfer On Death Deed & Lady Bird Deed
Two terms are used in the state of Texas to describe a deed that automatically transfers title to real estate you own on your death a transfer on death deed and a Lady Bird Deed (LBD). The distinction between these two deeds is subtle, but very important.
Read MoreDo I Need A Trust?
I frequently am asked by prospective estate planning clients, "Do I need a trust?" The answer is the classic one: It depends.
Read MoreWhen Is A Living Trust A Waste Of Money
One of my biggest pet peeves over the years has been the over-selling of living trust packages to folks doing their estate planning. There are definitely times when a living trust is a good estate planning tool. However, for many individuals a living trust is an unnecessary expense.
Read MoreWhy Parents Of Young Children Need Wills
Most young parents don't want to even think about the possibility of death and see no need for estate planning. However, if a tragedy struck and both parents of minor children were killed, the situation left for their loved ones to deal with is extremely complicated, expensive, and emotional.
Read MoreHow Much Does It Cost To Set Up A Trust?
A revocable trust is one that can be completely or partially revoked either during the lifetime of the person creating the trust or afterward. An irrevocable trust means just that: it cannot be revoked.
Read MoreThe Holidays: The Perfect Time To Talk To Your Family About Legal Arrangements
The holidays are a perfect time, while family and friends are gathered together (safely distanced, of course), to discuss whether estate planning and related legal matters are in order. It is a difficult subject to approach, but it is much better to be brave and tackle the subject than to avoid the discussion and regret later that plans which should have been made were not and you're left with a mess to deal with.
Read MoreWhat Is Involved In Setting Up A Living Trust
Setting up a living trust is the best way to ensure your assets are passed onto the right people if you pass away. So how do you start the process?
Read MoreCost Of Drawing Up A Will VS. Probate Without A Will
Many people are afraid of drawing up a will and doing other estate planning because of the perceived high cost. The truth is, drawing up a will is a small cost compared to the cost of probate of an estate if you die without a will and own almost any property.
Read MoreWhat Is The Legal Process To Divide An Estate If There Is No Will?
Families frequently come to me needing to know how to figure out who gets what when a loved one dies without a will. Unfortunately, the answer is that they may be in for a lot of expense and time in a very complicated legal proceeding.
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