Throughout our lives, we accumulate various belongings, some of which hold sentimental value or monetary worth. It’s crucial to ensure these items are allocated according to your wishes after your death. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth distribution process. How to Distribute Your Belongings Use a Personal Property Memorandum: If you want a specific …
Continue reading “Ideas for Gifting Personal Items From Your Estate”
In the past, I have written articles on Pipelines and Eminent Domain. These were very popular and with another Kinder Morgan pipeline coming through Walker County, I have written a follow up on pipeline negotiations. Thank you to Tiffany Dowell Lashmet with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service for allowing me to use her article …
A lot of what I do as an estate planner is help you protect your assets: I help you protect your assets for your children when you die, help you protect your assets when you are elderly and need long term or nursing care, help you protect your business or investment assets from frivolous law …
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 …
Continue reading “Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship”
Many folks decide to go into or open a new business everyday. It is part of the American culture to be an entrepreneur. While it is wonderful to “be your own boss,” it does come at a cost and with risk. Following fast on the heels of a decision to go into a particular kind …
With the influx of people to Texas in the last few years, it occurs to me that many may not be familiar with the system of Probate in Texas. Probate is one of the most misunderstood words in the legal language, probate is simply the administration of a deceased person’s property or transfer of their …
My youngest son is attending Texas A&M Univeristy and a member of the Corps of Cadets. Due to his commitment to Texas A&M, he will not be able to come home and vote on Election Day. So, he filed out paperwork to mail in his ballet. I am proud that he values the importance of …
I have found it is common for families to use multiple party accounts to assist in paying bills and transferring assets. Multiple party accounts are important non-probate transfer mechanisms because these accounts are used widely, easy to understand, and inexpensive to obtain. Therefore, in this week’s column I will discuss three of the most recognized …
It is time of year again, Sam Houston State University Fall semester has begun. With the start of a new Fall semester, there is a flurry of activity with regard to rental property. Whether you own an apartment complex, rent house(s) or just rent a garage apartment, there are some things you should consider as …
Continue reading “Landlord and Tenant Relationships – Tis the Season”
Several years ago, my family took a trip to New York City. While there the Boys and I visited Central Park, a wonderful 843 acres of landscaped greenery in the middle of Manhattan. I was curious as to how Central Park was created and found it to be a good educational opportunity for the Boys. …
Continue reading “Preserving our Past Through Conservation Easements”
