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 am an advocate for the use of a Power of Attorney to avoid guardianships, I realize there are times when a guardianship cannot be avoided. Therefore, in this week’s column I will address some of the more frequently asked questions regarding guardianships. How does one go about initiating a guardianship? Any interested party …
Continue reading “Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianships”
Editor’s Note: 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. This week I reviewed a client’s estate plan with her …
Continue reading “Experience and Training Make the Difference in Estate Planning”
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. Both heart and mind must be working well if the owners of …
Recently a couple consulted with me regarding their bed and breakfast. While they normally do not go beyond the nightly bed and breakfast, they recently leased out their property for a wedding. Unfortunately, a guest has claimed to have been injured at the wedding. While their contract called for the lessee to provide insurance for …
Continue reading “Importance of Reading Your Insurance Policy”
A common misconception is that you do not have to probate a Will when your spouse dies. Cheryl P. Rose’s column, Title Issues Can Complicate Real Estate Transactions, in the Senior Living section of this week’s Houston Chronicle, has some excellent points on why you must probate your spouse’s Will. Probate or estate administration is …
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”
