# Law Office of Harvey L. Cox

> Protecting Your Assets from Creditors, Predators, Lawsuits, Judgments, Liens, Greedy Relatives and Costs of Long Term Care


## Posts

- [What Happens When a Spouse Dies and the House Is in One Name?](https://harveylcox.com/what-happens-when-a-spouse-dies-and-the-house-is-in-one-name/): Only one spouse's name appears on the deed. Does the survivor automatically own the house? In Texas, the deed, marital-property history, will, family relationships, and homestead rights may all affect the answer. 
- [What Your Children Need If You Become Incapacitated in Texas](https://harveylcox.com/what-your-children-need-if-you-become-incapacitated-in-texas/): Learn what Texas parents should put in place to protect minor and adult children if illness, injury, or incapacity prevents them from managing family affairs.
- [Should You Put an Adult Child on Your Bank Account?](https://harveylcox.com/should-you-put-an-adult-child-on-your-bank-account/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook.It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. It sounds simple. You are getting older. You want someone you trust to help pay bills, deposit checks, talk to the bank, and handle things if you get sick. One easy solution is to add an adult child to your bank account. For some families, that works out fine. For others, it creates problems nobody expected. Before you add a son or daughter to your checking account, ... Read more
- [Beneficiary Designations Can Override Your Will](https://harveylcox.com/beneficiary-designations-override-will-texas/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook.It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many people believe that once they sign a will, their estate plan is finished. They assume the will controls who receives everything they own. That is not always true. In Texas, some of your most valuable assets may never pass under your will at all. Instead, they may pass directly to the person named on a beneficiary designation form, account agreement, policy, or deed. That means the ... Read more
- [A Will Does Not Avoid Probate in Texas](https://harveylcox.com/a-will-does-not-avoid-probate-in-texas/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook.It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many people believe that having a will means their family will avoid probate. That is one of the most common misunderstandings in Texas estate planning. A will is important. For many people, it is the foundation of a basic estate plan. It lets you name who should receive your property, who should serve as executor, and who should care for minor children if both parents are gone. ... Read more
- [What Is a Special Needs Trust in Texas? How to Protect a Loved One Without Losing Important Benefits](https://harveylcox.com/what-is-a-special-needs-trust-in-texas-how-to-protect-a-loved-one-without-losing-important-benefits/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook.It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. If you have a child, grandchild, or other loved one with a disability, one of the most important estate planning questions is this: “How do I help them financially without accidentally harming the benefits they rely on?” That concern is well-founded. Many individuals with disabilities depend on programs such as: A direct inheritance or cash gift can sometimes disrupt eligibility for those vital benefits. That is why ... Read more
- [Long-Term Care Planning in Texas: How to Protect Your Assets, Home, and Family Before a Crisis](https://harveylcox.com/long-term-care-planning-in-texas-how-to-protect-your-assets-home-and-family-before-a-crisis/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook. It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many Texas families spend years building a home, saving money, and planning for retirement. Then one health event changes everything. A stroke. Dementia. A fall. A sudden decline. Now the question is no longer: “Have we saved enough for retirement?” It becomes: “How do we pay for long-term care without losing everything?” That is why long-term care planning is one of the most overlooked—and most important—parts ... Read more
- [Why So Many Texas Families Choose a Revocable Living Trust](https://harveylcox.com/why-so-many-texas-families-choose-a-revocable-living-trust/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook. It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many people assume a Will is enough. For some families, it may be. But for many Texas families, a Revocable Living Trust can provide stronger protection, greater privacy, and a smoother transfer of assets than relying on a Will alone. The real question is not: “Do I need a trust?” It is: “Would a trust solve problems a Will cannot?” For many families, the answer is ... Read more
- [The Texas Homestead Advantage—And the Hidden Gap Most Families Miss](https://harveylcox.com/the-texas-homestead-advantage-and-its-hidden-gap/): Your Home May Be Protected. But Is Your Family? Most Texas families aren’t sure whether probate will be simple—or a problem. The free Texas Probate Risk Workbook helps you map out your situation and spot issues before they become costly mistakes. If you own a home in Texas, you already benefit from one of the strongest homeowner protections in America: Texas Homestead Protection. Unlike many states that place dollar caps on how much home equity is protected, Texas law often provides exceptionally strong protection for a qualifying homestead against many creditor claims. That means your home may enjoy significant protection during ... Read more
- [5 Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost Your Texas Family Thousands](https://harveylcox.com/estate-planning-mistakes-texas/): Want to understand your own situation as you read this? Download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook and follow along as you go. When families delay estate planning, they often assume the biggest risk is “not having a Will.” In reality, many of the most expensive problems come from well-intentioned mistakes people make while trying to simplify things themselves. After decades helping Texas families with estate planning, probate, and asset protection matters, I’ve seen the same errors repeated again and again—mistakes that can cost families money, time, privacy, and peace of mind. The good news: most of them are preventable. Here ... Read more
- [What Is a Lady Bird deed?](https://harveylcox.com/what-is-a-lady-bird-deed/): A Powerful Way to Avoid Probate While Keeping Control Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook. It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many Texas homeowners want a simple way to pass their home to loved ones without probate, without giving up control, and without creating unnecessary complications now. One estate planning tool that may help is the Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed. Although many people have heard the name, few understand how it ... Read more
- [What Do Trust Companies Do?](https://harveylcox.com/what-do-trust-companies-do/): If you’re trying to make sense of estate planning decisions, the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook may be a helpful place to start. Many people create a trust, assuming a family member will handle everything smoothly. Sometimes that works. Sometimes it creates stress, conflict, inexperience, or burdens no loved one truly wanted. That is where a trust company may become valuable. A trust company is a professional fiduciary institution that can serve as trustee or co-trustee, helping manage trust assets and carry out the terms of the trust over time. For some families, especially those with complexity, wealth, or family tension, ... Read more
- [What Issues Should Over-50 Couples Discuss Before Marrying?](https://harveylcox.com/what-issues-should-over-50-couples-discuss-before-marrying/): Want to understand your own situation as you read this? Download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook and follow along as you go. Getting married later in life can be one of life’s great joys. But for couples over 50, marriage is also more than a romantic decision—it is often a major legal, financial, retirement, and estate planning event. Unlike younger couples starting from scratch, many later-in-life couples bring established finances, homes, retirement accounts, adult children, and prior obligations into the relationship. That means love may be simple. The planning often is not. Thoughtful conversations before marriage can prevent misunderstandings, protect ... Read more
- [What Are the Benefits of a Revocable Trust?](https://harveylcox.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-revocable-trust/): If you’re trying to make sense of estate planning decisions, the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook may be a helpful place to start. Many people assume estate planning begins and ends with a Will. For some families, that may be enough. But for many Texas families, a Revocable Living Trust can provide stronger protection, greater privacy, and a smoother transition for loved ones. A revocable trust is one of the most versatile estate planning tools available when used properly. The key is understanding what it does—and whether it fits your goals. What Is a Revocable Living Trust? A Revocable Living Trust ... Read more
- [5 Reasons You Might Want an Irrevocable Trust in Texas](https://harveylcox.com/5-reasons-you-might-want-an-irrevocable-trust-in-texas/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook. It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. When most people hear the word “trust,” they think of a Revocable Living Trust used to avoid probate and simplify transfers. But for some Texas families, a different tool may offer stronger protection: The Irrevocable Trust. Unlike a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust is generally designed to transfer assets out of your direct ownership and control in exchange for specific legal and financial advantages. That can ... Read more
- [4 Ways to Prevent a Family Fight Over an Estate](https://harveylcox.com/4-ways-to-prevent-a-family-fight-over-an-estate/): If you’re trying to make sense of estate planning decisions, the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook may be a helpful place to start. When a loved one passes away, grief is hard enough. Unfortunately, many families then face a second crisis: Conflict over the estate. Arguments over money, property, fairness, and old family wounds can surface quickly—even in families that once seemed close. If you are serving as an executor, trustee, or family decision-maker, how the estate is handled can make the difference between a smooth transition and lasting family damage. The good news: many estate fights are preventable. Why Families ... Read more
- [Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney: A Difference That Can Matter When You Need Help Most](https://harveylcox.com/power-of-attorney-vs-durable-power-of-attorney/): Many estate problems begin long before anyone realizes there is a risk. The free Texas Probate Risk Workbook can help you spot common issues early. Many people focus on Wills and Trusts but overlook one of the most important estate planning documents of all: The Power of Attorney. That can be a costly mistake. Because if illness, injury, dementia, or age-related decline strikes, the issue is no longer: “Who gets my property when I die?” It becomes: “Who can legally help me now?” That is where understanding the difference between a Power of Attorney and a Durable Power of Attorney becomes ... Read more
- [What Is a Springing Power of Attorney?](https://harveylcox.com/what-is-a-springing-power-of-attorney/): If you’re trying to make sense of estate planning decisions, the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook may be a helpful place to start. Many people want help available if they ever become incapacitated—but they do not want to give anyone authority before then. That concern often leads them to ask about a Springing Power of Attorney. At first glance, it sounds ideal: “It only takes effect if I truly need it.” But while that idea is appealing, a springing power of attorney can create delays and complications at the exact moment your family needs help quickly. Understanding how it works is ... Read more
- [What Are the Common Costs of Probate in Texas—And Are There Better Ways to Avoid Them?](https://harveylcox.com/what-are-the-common-costs-associated-with-probate-in-texas-and-other-delays-involved-in-settling-an-estate/): Many probate problems begin long before anyone realizes there is a risk. The free Texas Probate Risk Workbook can help you spot common issues early. Many families do not think about probate until after a loved one passes away. That is often the worst time to learn that settling an estate can involve court procedures, legal fees, delays, paperwork, and stress during an already difficult season. While every estate is different, probate in Texas can carry real costs—both financial and emotional. Understanding those costs now may help you make better planning decisions before a crisis occurs. What Is Probate in Texas? ... Read more
- [Understanding the Tax Consequences of Gifts: How Trying to Avoid Probate Can Cost Your Family Thousands](https://harveylcox.com/understanding-the-tax-consequences-of-gifts/): Want to understand your own situation as you read this? Download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook and follow along as you go. Many parents hear a common piece of advice: “Just give the house to your children now, and they can avoid probate later.” It sounds simple. It sounds practical. Sometimes it becomes a costly mistake. What many families do not realize is that gifting appreciated property during life can create major capital gains tax consequences later—often far more expensive than the probate they were trying to avoid. A Realistic Example Janet is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She owns a ... Read more
- [Do Not Add Your Children to Your Bank Accounts Until You Understand the Risks](https://harveylcox.com/do-not-add-your-children-to-your-bank-accounts/): As part of our commitment to educating Texas families, we offer a free Texas Probate Risk Workbook to help readers better evaluate their planning situation. Many parents add a son or daughter to a bank account for what seems like a practical reason: The trust may not be the issue. The problem is that adding a child to your account often makes them a current co-owner of that account—and that can expose your money to risks that have nothing to do with you. What seems like a simple convenience can become a costly estate planning mistake. What Happens When You Add ... Read more
- [Do Not Add Your Children to the Deed of Your Home (Until You Understand the Risks)](https://harveylcox.com/do-not-add-your-children-to-the-deed-of-your-home/): If you’re trying to make sense of estate planning decisions, the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook may be a helpful place to start. Many Texas parents try to “make things easier” by adding a son or daughter to the deed of the family home. The goal is usually understandable: Unfortunately, this common shortcut can create serious legal, tax, creditor, and family problems that many people never see coming. In many cases, adding children to the deed is one of the most expensive estate planning mistakes a family can make. What Happens When You Add a Child to the Deed? When you ... Read more
- [If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan, the State of Texas Has One for You](https://harveylcox.com/if-you-dont-have-an-estate-plan-the-state-of-texas-has-one-for-you/): Before you read further, you may want to download the free Texas Probate Risk Workbook. It helps you organize your assets, identify potential probate risks, and think through your options before meeting with an attorney. Many people assume that if they die without a Will or Trust, everything will “just go to my spouse.” In Texas, that assumption can be dangerously wrong. If you do not create your own estate plan, Texas intestacy law decides who receives your property, when they receive it, and in what shares. That plan may be very different from what you intended. What Happens If You ... Read more
- [Naming Minor Children as Beneficiaries of Life Insurance: A Mistake Many Loving Parents Make](https://harveylcox.com/naming-children-as-beneficiaries-of-life-insurance/): Many probate problems begin long before anyone realizes there is a risk. The free Texas Probate Risk Workbook can help you spot common issues early, Many parents buy life insurance for one simple reason: To protect their children if the unthinkable happens. That is wise planning. But many parents make one critical mistake when completing the beneficiary form: They name their minor children directly as beneficiaries. It sounds logical. It often creates avoidable problems. Why This Can Be a Serious Problem If a child is still a minor when the insured parent dies, the life insurance company usually cannot simply hand ... Read more
- [Why a Will May Not Be Enough in Texas](https://harveylcox.com/the-problem-with-wills/): When people begin estate planning, they usually want four simple things: What Most Families Really Want 1. Keep Costs Down You want your assets to pass to your family without unnecessary legal expense. 2. Keep Family Matters Private You do not want your finances, property, and family decisions exposed to the public. 3. Avoid Delay You want your loved ones to receive what you leave them without months of court delays. 4. Protect Children and Grandchildren You want minors cared for by someone you choose—and you likely do not want an 18-year-old inheriting substantial assets outright. Those are reasonable goals. The ... Read more

## Pages

- [Texas Estate Planning Articles & Guides](https://harveylcox.com/resources/texas-estate-planning-articles-guides/): What Happens When a Spouse Dies and the House Is in One Name? What Your Children Need If You Become Incapacitated in Texas Should You Put an Adult Child on Your Bank Account? A Will Does Not Avoid Probate in Texas 5 Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost Your Texas Family Thousands What is a Lady Bird deed? Why a Will May Not Be Enough in Texas If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan, the State of Texas Has One for You What Are the Common Costs of Probate in Texas—And Are There Better Ways to Avoid Them? Do Not Add ... Read more
- [Texas Probate Risk Workbook](https://harveylcox.com/texas-probate-risk-workbook/): A print-friendly workbook to help you spot probate-risk gaps and get organized before you talk to an attorney. Download the Texas Probate Risk Workbook A clear guide to understanding probate in Texas Download the Texas Probate Risk Workbook Loading… Thank you! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime Educational information only. Not legal advice. Who this is for This Workbook is for Texas families who want to: What you’ll receive In about 15–20 minutes, you’ll complete: Important notice This Workbook provides general educational information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Probate and ... Read more
- [Thank You](https://harveylcox.com/texas-probate-risk-workbook-thank-you/): You’re in. Next step: Watch Wills & Trusts – How to Avoid the 3 Biggest Mistakes I just sent the “Texas Probate Risk Workbook” to your email. You can also download it from this page. The best way to get the most from the Workbook is to watch my free on-demand webinar, Wills & Trusts: How to Avoid the 3 Biggest Mistakes, first, then come back to the PDF. Free Webinar Wills & Trusts: How to Avoid the 3 Biggest Mistakes You may be prompted to create a free login the first time. Prefer to read first? You can download the ... Read more
- [](https://harveylcox.com/): Protect Your Family from Probate Problems and Estate Planning Mistakes in Texas Helping Texas families create clear, effective estate plans based on over 30 years of experience—so your wishes are carried out and your family is protected. Serving Texas families since 1990 • Estate Planning Attorney • Flat-Fee Planning Options Available $50 refundable scheduling deposit—applied to your plan or returned when you attend. Prefer to speak with someone first? Call 254-233-7300, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Many families believe they have a plan – until probate or conflict proves otherwise. Start Where You’re Most Comfortable Every family’s situation ... Read more
- [Schedule An Estate Planning Consultation](https://harveylcox.com/contact/): Many families believe they have a plan—until probate or confusion proves otherwise. This consultation is an opportunity to review your situation, identify potential risks, and discuss estate planning options tailored to your family under Texas law. During Your Consultation, We Will: Answer your questions clearly and directly The Consultation is free, so why is there a $50 Scheduling Deposit A $50 deposit is required to reserve your consultation time. This policy helps ensure availability for clients who are ready to move forward. If you need to reschedule with reasonable notice, we are happy to transfer your deposit to a new appointment ... Read more
- [Estate Planning Services for Texas Families](https://harveylcox.com/services/): Estate planning is not just about preparing documents—it’s about making sure your wishes are carried out and your family is protected. Without proper planning, families can face unnecessary delays, costs, and confusion. The goal is to create a plan that works when it’s needed—not just one that looks complete on paper. Start Where You’re Most Comfortable Every family’s situation is different. Choose the path that feels right for you. Schedule a Consultation Get legal guidance tailored to your family and your assets. Schedule Now → Download the Texas Probate Risk Workbook Identify risks and organize your planning before meeting with an ... Read more
- [About](https://harveylcox.com/about/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a licensed Texas attorney focused exclusively on estate planning and asset protection. I’ve been practicing law since 1990 and earned my law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. My office is based in Waco, Texas, and I help Texas families protect what they’ve built—reducing probate risk, planning for incapacity, and addressing asset protection concerns such as lawsuits, creditors, and long-term care costs. My approach emphasizes clear, coordinated planning so your documents, titles, and beneficiary designations work together. I also teach a six-hour continuing education class at McLennan Community College, offered several times each semester, covering ... Read more
- [Power of Attorney in Waco, TX (Texas) — Plain-English Overview](https://harveylcox.com/services/power-of-attorney-in-waco-tx/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains power of attorney documents in plain English—what they do, when they work, and the common mistakes that create problems for Texas families. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward any services retained. ... Read more
- [Asset Protection in Texas (Plain-English Overview)](https://harveylcox.com/services/asset-protection/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains asset protection in plain English—what it means, what it doesn’t mean, and the practical building blocks Texas families use to reduce lawsuit and creditor risk. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward ... Read more
- [Estate Planning in Texas (Plain-English Overview)](https://harveylcox.com/services/estate-planning/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains estate planning in plain English—what it typically includes, what it’s designed to prevent, and the coordination mistakes that cause probate and family stress. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward any services ... Read more
- [Texas Estate Planning Resources](https://harveylcox.com/resources/): Practical tools, trusted guidance, and educational resources to help Texas families make informed estate planning decisions. Whether you are just getting started or refining an existing plan, these resources are designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Start Here: Free Planning Workbook The Texas Probate Risk Workbook Not sure where to begin? This complimentary workbook helps you organize important family, property, and beneficiary information while identifying common probate and estate planning risks Texas families often overlook. It is an excellent first step before creating or updating your estate plan. Books by Harvey L. Cox Harvey’s estate-planning books are ... Read more
- [Client Reviews](https://harveylcox.com/reviews/): We were treated with respect and like we are family. The entire office made us feel warm and comfortable about the choices that we made, as well as just being kind and friendly. Harvey went out of his way to make sure that everything was in order the way we needed it to be. We are very appreciative of the job the entire crew was involved in taking into consideration the seriousness of it. Thank You for what you do! Very professional, as well as kind, courteous, and compassionate. The documentation was very neat organized and presentable. I would and will ... Read more
- [Wills vs Trusts in Texas (Plain-English Guide)](https://harveylcox.com/services/wills-trust/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains wills vs trusts in plain English—what each tool does, what it doesn’t do, and the common coordination mistakes that still lead to probate. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward any services ... Read more
- [Advance Directive Planning in Texas (Plain-English Overview)](https://harveylcox.com/services/advance-directive-planning/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains advance directive planning in plain English—what these documents do, why they matter, and the common mistakes that create stress for Texas families. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). Schedule a Consultation Quick answer: What are “advance directives”? Advance directives are documents that help your family and doctors know who can make decisions and what your wishes are if you can’t speak for yourself. ... Read more
- [Special Needs Trusts in Texas (Plain-English Overview)](https://harveylcox.com/services/special-needs-trusts/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains special needs trusts in plain English – what they are, why they exist, and the common mistakes that can unintentionally put benefits at risk. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook(print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward any services ... Read more
- [Long-Term Care Planning in Texas (Plain-English Overview)](https://harveylcox.com/services/long-term-care-planning/): I’m Harvey L. Cox, a Texas estate planning attorney based in Waco. This page explains long-term care planning in plain English—what it is, what it isn’t, and the practical steps Texas families can take to reduce confusion and risk. This is general educational information for Texas families—not legal advice. Start here (recommended) If you’re just getting started, download my free Texas Probate Risk Workbook (print-first workbook + checklists). We offer a complimentary initial estate planning consultation or review.To reserve dedicated consultation time, a $50 scheduling deposit is required. The deposit is refunded when you attend your appointment or credited toward any ... Read more

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