Recently, I met with a client who had lost their spouse. They owned a home together and had purchased the real estate 40 plus years ago. In order to sell the home, since the spouse passed without a Last Will and Testament, the surviving spouse could not sell the home. They would have to resolve …
A resume’ is a document that shows employers what experience, skills, and education you have, and how you might perform in a job. If you haven’t updated your resume’ in years, it might not accurately show your abilities. Similarly, estate plans need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in your life and the law. …
Continue reading “You Update Your Resume’, Why Not Your Estate Plan”
I recently corresponded with my good friend, Matt Crider, who practices law in California. The system of probate in California is vastly different that here in Texas. In California, transferring a person’s assets through a Will can take 2 years and the court sets the fee. Probate is simply the administration of a deceased person’s …
We all face challenges, that is life. However, sometimes events occur that result in a loved one being hospitalized or finding themselves in need of extensive care or worse, loss of a loved one. These are just some compelling reasons to work on your estate plan now. Making sure that you have an estate plan …
A good friend and client pointed out to me that I had not done a column on lettres of instruction. So, this week, that is the topic I will cover. A comprehensive estate plan often includes writing a Last Will and Testament to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries. Once you’ve passed away, the executor of …
Continue reading “Letters of Instruction in Estate Planning”
When you are married to someone who is significantly older or younger than you, planning for the future can be different for each of you. To make sure you and your loved ones are protected, it’s important to have a detailed financial and estate plan. To make sure your plan works as intended, you should …
After reading a story about a grandmother who lied to a court (did not disclose she had been convicted of theft 4 times) in order to be appointed Guardian and Trustee. Then proceeded to embezzle $50,000 from her granddaughter (she spent granddaughter’s life insurance proceeds on beer, liquor and cigarettes), I thought it would be …
Do I probate my spouse’s Will? YES! A common misconception is that you do not have to probate a Will when your spouse dies. Real estate, like automobiles, is titled to convey ownership. The title defines who has legal rights to a property and it must be transferred when the property is sold. Title issues …
Many of you know that my son, Jacob, was fortunate enough to be one of Texas A&M University’s mascot, Reveille’s caretakers last year. I am an Aggie, Class of ‘88, and thought I knew a lot about Aggieland,, but my appreciation for Reveille and her care grew watching Jacob compete and then care for her. …
Caregivers are an essential part of long-term care for older adults. We are all going to age and most will need some sort of care. However, there are precautions that should be taken. The most well-known form of caregiver is a family member or close friend who takes on the care of a loved …
