Look for these traits when choosing a guardian
As the Baby Boomer generation enters retirement age, many adults revisit their estate plans. Changes in family makeup, retirement plans and healthcare may require tweaks to prevent claims against the will. Additionally, older adults may consider identifying a guardian...
Is a Will valid in all 50 states?
If you're like most people, you've put a lot of time and effort into creating your will. You want to know that this will conveys your final wishes even if you move to a state different from the one you created it in. Generally speaking, a will that is recognized in...
Why everyone should have a power of attorney
No one wants to think about or make plans for the end of life, especially if their end of life is seemingly years or even decades away. But while many aspects of estate planning handle what happens to your assets when you’re no longer around, a power of attorney (POA)...
Mistakes to avoid in creating an estate plan
Many people in Texas might not have estate plans, but it can also be dangerous to have a poorly prepared estate plan. A number of celebrities have made estate-planning errors, and people who are not celebrities can learn from those errors. Most people will not need to...
Do not overlook planning for long-term healthcare
When drafting an estate plan, many people forget to account for long-term healthcare. Though individuals may be in good health now, those aged 65 or older have a 70% chance of needing long-term health care. Without a plan to cover these costs, people risk losing their...
Estate planner use of intentionally defective grantor trusts
The elements necessary to establish good estate planning practices can change over time due to the variables that affect financial markets. Low interest rates and an expected decrease in the estate tax exemption are two major factors influencing the job of Texas...
Reduce family conflicts with transparent estate planning
The last thing that parents want after they pass away is for their children to fight about the will or estate plan. These conflicts can drive siblings apart or even compromise the family estate. Parents will always worry about the family after they are gone, but they...
Estate planning strategies that protect your assets from creditors
Creating an estate plan is not just about transferring assets to beneficiaries or saving on taxes when someone dies. It’s also about protecting you and your heirs’ property from any potential future creditors. Litigation tends to rise during times of economic turmoil....
Executing a will after a person’s death
When someone in Texas drafts a will, he or she has to pick an executor of their estate to distribute the property listed in the will after the estate holder dies. Being an executor can be time consuming and difficult, so people who are asked to be executors should...