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The 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 More3 Reasons You May Need A Guardianship
Guardianships are a complicated legal proceeding. Most people have no clue exactly how complicated and expensive they are. In some situations, however, a guardianship is required to manage the affairs of a loved one.
Read MoreDo I Have To Probate If There Was A Will?
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.
Read MoreThe Average Cost Of A Determination Of Heirship Proceeding In Texas
A small estate affidavit will not always work, however. In some situations, you may need a determination of heirship. 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.
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 MoreWhat Is A Small Estate Affidavit Proceeding And What Does It Cost?
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.
Read MoreProbate As A Muniment Of Title: What Is It & What Does It Cost?
There are several different types of probate in Texas where a loved one dies having a Will. The complexity of the proceeding and the cost varies widely depending on which type of probate you can or must use to pass your loved one's estate. The simplest and least expensive type of probate is known as a "muniment of title" proceeding.
Read MoreCOVID-19 Pandemic Reminds People They Are Mortal: Estate Planning Is Really Important Now
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.
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.
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