When a person creates an estate plan – even if it’s a simple will – they should name an executor (known under Texas law as a “personal representative”) to handle the administration of the estate. This includes everything from paying final bills and filing the last...
Things can be very complicated for families if a loved one dies without a will. What can be even more complicated, however, is finding multiple wills and not being certain which one – if any of them – reflects their wishes when they died. Further, if you find more...
Estate and trust disputes can be emotionally charged and complex, often involving family members, money, and deeply held emotions. In these situations, effective communication becomes paramount. Whether you're a beneficiary, a personal representative, or a trustee,...
Like most, you probably want to ensure your deceased loved one’s affairs are handled per their expressed wishes. After all, that is why they worked so hard to create a sound estate plan in the first place. Unfortunately, estate mismanagement, whether due to executor...
When their parents pass away and the estate administrator reads the will, people sometimes expect all of the bequests to be equal. They assume that all heirs will be treated the same. Sure, they may understand that a nephew or a grandchild will get less than an adult...
A trust hands over the legal title and management of an asset – or a set of assets – to a trustee. The trustee is then tasked with managing the property for the benefits of a third party, the beneficiary. Typically, trustees take their obligations very seriously, and...
The beneficiaries of a trust receive access to assets when their circumstances meet the rules put in place by the creator of the trust. In some scenarios, trust assets are only available for specific expenses, like educational costs. Other times, an individual's...
Has someone interfered with your inheritance? This may be a relative or complete stranger. Unfortunately, these situations are more common than many people realize. Here, you can find the steps to navigate the complexities of interference and find a resolution that...
A codicil is a legal amendment to a will that specifies certain modifications to the original document. Although it is enacted or executed after the will, it is legally enforceable and considered part of the testator's final wishes. Challenging a codicil can be a...
Do you ever wonder why stepmothers get such a bad rap? Blended families have become increasingly common in modern society, but this can lead to some complex family dynamics. And, since women tend to outlive the men in their lives, it can also lead to some serious...