5 Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost Your Texas Family Thousands

5 estate planning mistakes

When it comes to protecting your family’s future, even small estate planning mistakes can have devastating financial consequences. After more than 30 years of practicing estate planning law in Texas, I’ve seen families lose tens of thousands of dollars—and irreplaceable peace of mind—due to easily preventable errors.Whether you’re in Waco, Round Rock, or anywhere in … Read more

What Is a Lady Bird deed?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 12.36.51 A visually engaging illustration representing a Lady Bird Deed in Texas. The image features a legal document with a bold title Lady Bird Deed at the

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”3px|||||” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font_size=”40px” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font_size=”28px” header_4_font_size=”26px” header_5_font_size=”24px” header_6_font_size=”22px” sticky_enabled=”0″] One lesser-known but highly effective tool in estate planning is the lady bird deed, also known as an … Read more

What Issues Should Over-50 Couples Discuss Before Marrying?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.05.15 A heartwarming illustration of a couple over 50 getting married. The scene captures the couple standing together at an outdoor ceremony with a serene

Getting married in middle age or later is not just a significant personal event but also one of the most important financial decisions in your life. Understanding this emphasizes the necessity of a thorough discussion about financial matters before tying the knot. Financial transparency is key When marrying later in life, especially with retirement on … Read more

5 Reasons You Might Want an Irrevocable Trust in Texas

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.09.39 An engaging illustration showing why an irrevocable trust is beneficial. The central focus is a document labeled Irrevocable Trust surrounded by ic

Estate planning involves making decisions about the management, preservation and distribution of your assets both during your lifetime and after your death. Many types of trusts exist and can meet various aims. However, Texans doing their estate planning may find that establishing an irrevocable trust offers unique advantages tailored to their financial goals and family … Read more

4 Ways to Prevent a Family Fight Over an Estate

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.11.54 An illustration showing strategies to prevent family disputes over an estate. The image features a family sitting together at a table with a professio

The role of an executor in managing and distributing an estate comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of the most challenging aspects of this role is preventing family disputes over the estate while ensuring a smooth and amicable process. 1. Clear and detailed documentation First and foremost, the executor must maintain meticulous records … Read more

What Is An Emergency Financial File and Why Do You Need It?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.15.52 An illustration of a person creating an emergency financial file. The scene features a desk with a labeled folder reading Emergency Financial File

When you think of preparing for emergencies, your mind may jump to stockpiling essentials or assembling emergency kits. However, there is an often overlooked aspect that could make a significant difference in times of crisis, which is creating an emergency financial file. This simple yet critical step can spare your loved ones from unnecessary confusion … Read more

What is a Springing Power of Attorney?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.18.06 An informative illustration representing a Springing Power of Attorney. The image features a legal document labeled Springing Power of Attorney at t

When it comes to managing your affairs, you might have heard of a legal term called a springing power of attorney. This document “springs” into effect when you become incapacitated, empowering someone else to handle your financial matters. It combines the features of a durable power of attorney, which continues even if you become incapacitated, … Read more

What Can Long-Term Care Planning Accomplish?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.19.58 An illustration of a couple engaged in long term care planning. The scene depicts a couple sitting together at a table with a financial advisor revie

Planning for long-term care is an important aspect of estate planning that can help you protect your assets and ensure proper care for you and your loved ones. Long-term care planning offers several important benefits for your estate plan. By understanding the advantages of long-term care planning, you can make informed decisions and take proactive … Read more

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Executor for Your Will

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.22.54 An illustration representing key considerations when choosing the executor of a will. The central image shows a document labeled Last Will and Testam

Choosing an executor for your will is an important estate planning decision that requires careful consideration. An executor, also known as a personal representative, plays a vital role in administering your estate and carrying out your final wishes. Here are five key issues to consider when selecting an executor to help you make an informed … Read more

What are Advance Directives and When Should I Have Them Written?

DALL·E 2025 01 02 13.24.54 An informative illustration representing advance directives. The central focus is a document labeled Advance Directives on a desk surrounded by ico

According to a study conducted by Heath Affairs, of the almost 800,000 questioned people, only 1/3 of them had advance directives completed in their estate plan. Understanding advance directives and knowing when to write them is important for ensuring that your loves ones respect your medical wishes when you cannot communicate them. What do advance … Read more