Sometimes after a testator’s death, concerned parties might carry out a will contest. A will contest involves disputing the validity of a will in court. What are the grounds for will contests? Here are some of the most common reasons why an individual (or a group)...
Unequal bequests can make things a bit more complicated when it comes to estate planning. Say that you have three children, and you know that all of them are expecting to get an inheritance. You haven’t talked with them about it yet, but they know that you are fairly...
An estate plan comprises numerous aspects that may have to go through the probate courts. One of the most fundamental components of an estate plan is the will. This document outlines how the testator's assets are to be distributed upon their death. It may also include...
Did you know you can create a funeral trust to cover the costs of your funeral? This is created when you make arrangements with a funeral home before you pass away. When you do this, you contract the funeral home ahead of time for your burial and funeral services. ...
The personal representative of someone's estate has a lot of responsibility. They will have to attend probate proceedings and take care of all of the assets in the estate. They also have a responsibility to repay the debts a testator left behind when they died. ...
Many people prefer not to talk with their children about their estate plans. Maybe they have always preferred to keep their financial details private from their kids. Or perhaps they prefer to avoid conversations that could become difficult. Yet generally, it makes...
Estate planning is often the last thing on anybody’s mind. By definition, an ‘unexpected event’ is not on a person’s mind either, but they do happen. People succumb to tragic accidents all the time. While it is extremely unlikely that something will happen to you,...
When making your estate plan, settling on an executor is among the most important decisions you may have to make. This is the person responsible for administering your estate per your wishes. Your executor is charged with paying off any outstanding debts, closing...
It might be wise to bring your family into your estate planning sessions in Texas. Whether with legal representation or not, your beneficiaries can often benefit when pre-briefed regarding inheritances. Being transparent with your heirs and beneficiaries gives you a...
Your heirs and beneficiaries are going to get your assets. Your estate plan dictates how this is done and what money and other assets go to specific individuals. But what about your debts? Do these also get passed on to the next generation? Could an adult child be...
