What happens to your pets when you die without planning?
For many people, pets are more than just animals -- they’re beloved members of the family. But what happens if something unexpected occurs and your pets are left all alone? Without a proper will or trust in place, your beloved companions may end up in the hands of...
Why don’t people make estate plans?
An estate plan can be beneficial for anyone, from a young parent to an elderly retiree. These estate plans can help to divide assets among beneficiaries, make medical decisions in advance, establish guardianship for minor children and much more. However, most people...
Addressing your home when estate planning
It is possible that your home is one of your most valuable assets. As a result, it will likely be a primary concern for you as you engage in estate planning. Deciding what will happen to your home after your passing requires careful planning to better ensure that your...
The importance of choosing the right health care agent
Some of the most important documents in your estate plan are intended to be used while you’re still alive. One of these in Texas is called the Medical Power of Attorney Designation of Health Care Agent (MPOA). This is the document where you name the person you’re...
Adapting your estate plan to benefit all your heirs
When creating your estate plans, it helps to accommodate the unique circumstances of your loved ones and craft a tailored plan that works best for everyone. This means considering each heir’s situation and ensuring your estate plan provides them with the necessary...
Estate planning considerations this Christmas
Most people get some time off work over Christmas and the New Year. If you have not yet made an estate plan, you could use some of this time to start thinking about yours. Then, once the holidays are over, you can get help to put it all in writing. Here are a few...
How estate planning benefits new adults who just turned 18
People often associate estate planning with middle age or retirement. It is obviously important for those who have become financially secure or responsible for other people to have plans in place in case of a tragedy. However, even those who expect to have decades of...
How can you change an irrevocable trust?
Irrevocable trusts are among the most powerful estate planning tools in use today. Done right, they offer significant tax advantages, protection from creditors and asset control that can extend beyond the grantor’s lifetime. By their nature, irrevocable trusts are not...
How is a power of attorney different than a living will?
When considering medical decisions in your estate plan, you have two documents you may want to use. First, you may consider using a power of attorney. Second, you may be thinking about using a living will. Both of these documents can be beneficial, but they do operate...
3 compelling reasons to add powers of attorney to an estate plan
Many adults do not have any estate plan whatsoever. Those who do often have basic wills and no other documents. However, integrating additional legal instruments into an estate plan can be a beneficial decision. Estate plans can provide guidance to family members and...
