I am often asked to review out of state or older trust, so this week I thought I would discuss what a trust is and a few of the basic types of trust. A trust is a legal instrument that transfers title to designated property from the owner, called the donor or grantor, to a …
I heard today on the radio that people who are perpetually late live longer. If that is the case, I’m going to live a long time. In fact, in study done in 2000 said there was a 75% probability for men living to the age of 78, 50% probability of living to 85 and a …
You’ve heard all the arguments in favor of estate planning, you know it’s the right thing to do, you want to get your planning done… you just aren’t sure how to get started. This is understandable; estate planning can feel like an overwhelming endeavor when you’re presented with everything at once. The trick to getting …
Continue reading “A Guide for Getting Started on Your Estate Planning”
The information in this column is not intended as political opinion or promotion but to provide an incentive to VOTE. Well, here we are in the middle of what may be the greatest voter turnout in history. It is exciting to see. For the next 2 weeks you can early vote in the 2020 election …
I see many clients who have created revocable trust, sold to them by someone promising tax and probate savings. However, the proper trust to achieve estate tax advantages is a lifetime Irrevocable Trusts. The assets in a Irrevocable Trust pass upon death free of estate tax. To achieve the estate tax advantages, the client needs …
A week or so ago, I read an obituary that reminded me that although the death of a loved one often brings families closer, it can often bring out animosities among family members that has long simmered. The unusual obituary started, “We are so grateful you have finally escaped the evil clutches of the greedy, …
While watching a law school classmate of mine handle a disputed estate in Fort Bend County, it occurred to me the best way to avoid a Will contest is to have a well written Will prepared by an attorney who can help you avoid potential conflicts. This week I will discuss reasons for contesting a …
You need an estate plan. This is true even if you don’t have a lot of assets. It’s also true if you’re young, or if you don’t have close family members. Estate planning means preparing for the inevitabilities of life. People get sick or hurt, and you need a plan in place to determine what …
Continue reading “Steps to Help Get Started on Estate Planning”
One of the more common questions I get asked is “Do I need a survey for this transaction?” or “Will my old survey work?” In true lawyer-fashion….the answer depends. It is very important to have a good legal description of the property when performing a title exam. A street address or Tax I.D. number are …
Occasionally, I still run into an old Contract For Deed for clients. In this outdated form of a transaction, the seller and purchaser enter into an agreement or contract stating that the purchaser will make payments over time and once a certain amount is paid the seller will deed the property to the purchaser. I …
