Financial abuse and fraud targeting older individuals cost anywhere from $2.6 billion to $36.5 billion annually, as estimated by the National Council on Aging. This is a sad reflection of our society. To protect yourself from financial exploitation, it is best to create a comprehensive estate and financial plan that will ensure your protection …
Continue reading “The Advantage of Strong Financial and Estate Planning Advisors”
Recently, I met with clients that had discovered their property line was not where they thought. This is a common dispute between property owners and underscores the importance of having a survey prepared when buying property. The title company will not cover encroachments and discrepancies in property lines without a current survey. My discussion with …
Starting an estate plan can be overwhelming, and you probably have many questions. You are not alone. This week I will discuss five questions people often ask about last wills and testaments as they begin to think about estate planning. 1. Aren’t Wills Only for Wealthy People? This is a common myth. Last wills …
Well, I have written about large power lines and pipelines coming through Walker County before and here we are in Walker County with another new pipeline project. This time a Bahia Pipeline LLC is putting in a major gas pipeline. Many of you may have been contacted in the last few months about access for …
Inflation affects all consumers, but older Americans are facing an especially dramatic loss of buying power. A recent survey by the Senior Citizens League shows that Social Security benefits have seen a 36 percent loss in buying power since 2000. That number is actually an improvement from 2022, when the loss of buying power was …
Continue reading “Social Security Check Not Keeping Up With Inflation”
There is a widespread misconception that estate planning is simply a method of directing one’s assets to designated beneficiaries in the event of death. That’s simply too narrow of a view. Estate planning is necessary—crucial, in fact—in the event that you become incapacitated or otherwise need a loved one to manage your finances. This can …
Continue reading “Do You Really Need an Estate Planning Attorney?”
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”
In past columns I have discussed the importance of having a Last Will and Testament. A Will is important because it allows you to direct the distribution of your assets and enables you to name a guardian for your children. However, a Will does not take effect until you are no longer alive. What if you have …
Continue reading “Help, I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up! Now What?”
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 …
