Planning Your Own Estate
For those planning ahead, these articles address the decisions that shape a clear, workable estate plan.
Estate Planning Basics
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The Difference Between Telling Your Family What You Want and Planning for It
Two adult children remember their mother’s wishes differently. One recalls a conversation from five years ago. The other recalls a different conversation from eighteen months ago. Neither is lying. Both conversations happened. Neither was written down. That’s what verbal wishes can produce: not clarity, but competing memories with no reliable way to determine which version…
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Avoiding Probate in Texas Can Still Leave a Mess Behind
Avoiding probate can help certain assets pass without court involvement — but it isn’t the same as having a complete estate plan. Here’s what often gets left behind.
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Before the Will Hits the Fan: Call a Family Sit-Down
You’ve put in the work – built a life you’re proud of, made thoughtful decisions about who gets what, and even signed all the right documents (with a little help from your lawyer). But here’s the part no one likes to talk about: the paperwork doesn’t speak for itself if your family isn’t on the…
Incapacity Planning
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Your Healthcare Wishes Shouldn’t Be a Guess for Your Family
In 2013, my father was in the hospital and the decisions were coming fast, but my mother and I didn’t have the answers. It didn’t help that the hospital wasn’t too forthcoming either. We were trying to get more information about his condition so we could figure out what he would have wanted. The problem?…
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Are You Stuck with the Agent on Your Power of Attorney? Of Course Not.
One of the most common misconceptions about Powers of Attorney (POAs) is that once you name an agent, you’re stuck with them forever. The truth is you can change, update, or even revoke your POA as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. Your POA, Your Rules Your Power of Attorney isn’t…
Trusts and Beneficiaries
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Trust in Texas: Do You Really Need One?
Trust or will isn’t the real question in Texas. The real question is what you’re actually trying to control — and this breaks down when each tool fits.
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Are You Giving Away the Farm When Trying to Grant Account Access?
When setting up a bank account, it’s not uncommon to wonder if you should add someone you trust, “just in case.” On the surface, it seems like a simple solution—just include a loved one as a joint owner. After all, if something happens to you, wouldn’t it be easier for them to manage your finances?…
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Can I Put My House in a Trust if I Have a Mortgage?
Homeowners looking to set up trusts to protect their assets often hear whispers that their mortgage might stand in the way. Naturally, that leads to a question I often get: “Can I put my house in a trust if I have a mortgage?” Generally, yes, having a mortgage doesn’t prevent you from putting your home…
Blended Families
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Before You Say I Do: How Prenuptial Agreements Enhance Your Estate Plan
Ever think a prenup is just for Hollywood divorces? Well, you’re not wrong, but they’re not just for celebrities and not just for divorces. I have your attention now, don’t I? As a Houston estate planning lawyer, I’ve seen prenuptial agreements serve as powerful estate planning tools that can protect not only spouses, but also…
Settling a Loved One’s Estate
For families handling a death, these articles explain common probate and estate administration questions in Texas.
Probate
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You Have a Will – So Why is Probate A Thing?
I got a call from a potential client the other day who was trying to make sense of how wills and probate work. “I have a will,” she said. “That means my family won’t have to deal with probate, right?” It’s a common misconception, one that often leaves families frustrated when the loved one passes….
