Many clients have asked me how to insure that a bank account or investment account passes to a particular person (spouse or child) without having to wait until a Will is probated. First, I would like to remind you that the amount of time its takes to probate an estate in Texas depends to a great extent on the type …
Continue reading “Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship”
Can I first just say, “WHEW!” I am glad I am not still in law school. The Rule Against Perpetuities was one of those subjects the law school professor loved to “hide the ball” with us on. That is to say, confuse us to the point our heads hurt. The rule Against Perpetuities is a …
We all procrastinate. However, when it comes to estate planning, and particularly drafting a Will, it seems to get worse. Many couples think they are too young to need a Will or any kind of estate planning. But, as I have discussed in earlier columns and this is driven home to me every …
A common legal myth that is often heard in cafes and barber shops around Texas is that property cannot be landlocked because a neighboring landowner is required to allow entry. This is simply false. Understanding this can be important for both the landlocked owners and neighboring landowners so that each party understands his or her rights.
An area of law I am often questioned about revolves around building, replacing and maintaining fences. So I thought it would be an excellent subject for a column this week. Texas law does not require neighboring landowners to share in the costs or future maintenance of a boundary fence, unless a landowner has agreed to …
You would not believe what I have found right here in Walker County, Texas with regards to property records. Hand written, homemade, or instruments that have nothing to do with what they state they are, all purporting to convey property. Just this week, I had a family trying to refinance their property. Issue was, a …
I enjoy reading my friend Mike Bradley’s Facebook post on home inspections. While they are humorous on the one hand, it is sad to think some homes are not inspected and expensive issues not found. Home inspections are a visual evaluation of a home from roof to foundation (Possibly basement, but rare in Texas). It’s …
The information in this column is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law. Any readers with a legal problem, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult an attorney for advice on their particular circumstances. One of the most important functions a person can perform for their …
The information in this column is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law. Any readers with a legal problem, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult an attorney for advice on their particular circumstances. One of the greatest concerns for my clients is that they may …
While I love Tom Selleck and his Sackett movies, I do not believe he (or anyone in Hollywood) should be giving me financial advice. There is currently a marketing blitz targeting seniors to entice them into reverse mortgages. But, like the old saying goes, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” …
