The answer is it depends, but usually not if you have not set up your estate plan. Texas is a community property state, which means that any property created, purchased, or earned during marriage is presumed to be part of the community estate. In the community estate, each spouse owns one-half of the community interest …
Does my spouse automatically get my share of the house when I die? Read More »
1) What do I want to do with my property? Knowing what you own is the first step, then you should consider who should get your property. Do you want to treat your beneficiaries equally, or do you want to treat them differently, based on the gifts you have already made and the resources each …
Basic questions to ask yourself before getting your estate planning documents prepared Read More »
A Medical Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to name an agent to make medical treatment decisions for you if you are not able to do so yourself. A Directive to Physicians (also known as a living will) is a document that allows you to designate what kind of medical treatment you …
Once you have signed your estate planning documents, it is important to store them in a safe place. Many people keep their original estate planning documents at home in a secure place, like a fire safe or file cabinet. It is important to make sure to keep your secure place in a place that is …
Where is the best place to keep my signed original estate planning documents? Read More »
There are many misconceptions about estate planning and estate planning documents in general. I thought I would tackle some of the internet’s most asked questions about the Medical Power of Attorney to help dispel some of the confusion. What is medical power of attorney? A medical power of attorney is a document where you can …
Some Most Asked Questions about Medical Powers of Attorney Read More »
It is back to school season for many families and many young adults are flying away from the nest to start a new chapter in their lives. For parents, however, sending your kids away to college can be both exciting and scary. As soon as a child turns 18 years old they are considered an …
A financial power of attorney is used to appoint agents who can act for you in a legal or financial capacity and what kind of powers they will have. The agents that you appoint are fiduciaries, meaning they have duties to you as the principal (the person who signed the document) to act in good …
What is a financial power of attorney and why is it important? Read More »
A will is testamentary document, meaning it is only effective after death. A will’s role in probate is to make your wishes known about how your assets (your “estate”) will be handled after your death. One of the most important things that your will should do is appoint who will be responsible for finalizing your …
