Estate Planning Archives

Our experienced Dallas probate attorneys specialize in estate planning, helping individuals protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. Whether you need assistance creating a will, establishing trusts, or navigating complex tax considerations, our team is here to guide you through the process. Take control of your future today by scheduling an online consultation with our dedicated attorneys.

Sep

Can You Revoke a Joint Lady Bird Deed?

September 25, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Lady Bird Deeds are a popular estate planning tool in Texas that allow property owners to retain a life estate while transferring their property to a designated beneficiary upon death. The key benefit is that they can be revoked if situations or desires change. But what about joint Lady Bird Deeds executed by both spouses? ...

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Apr

Transfer-On-Death Designations in Texas

April 27, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Transfer-On-Death Designations in Texas When it comes to estate planning in Texas, there are many different tools and strategies available. One option that is often overlooked, but can be incredibly useful, is the use of the transfer-on-death (“TOD”) designation. This designation can allow you to name beneficiaries for certain assets, which will then pass to...

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Apr

Estate Planning With Pour-Over Wills in Texas: A Case Study

April 20, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

A pour-over will can be used in situations where privacy is a concern. This is especially true if the pour-over will is combined with a living trust. In this case study, we will explore the probate process of a pour-over will involving real estate owned by the decedent for 66 years. We will discuss the...

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Mar

Do I Need a Comprehensive Estate Plan?

March 30, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

It is said that everyone has an estate plan, some just happen to think through it and write it down. When it comes to managing your wealth and protecting your assets, having a comprehensive estate plan is essential as the default plan usually will not help you achieve your goals. The uncertainties of life, including...

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Mar

Unprobated IRAs: A Texas Probate Law Case Study

March 9, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult and overwhelming time for surviving family members. One of the tasks that often needs to be addressed is the distribution of the decedent’s assets. In Texas, if a person dies with a will, the will must be probated in order for the assets to...

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11Standard of Sound Mind to Execute a Valid Will

Mar

The Importance of Updating a Will

March 2, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Probate law can be a complex and daunting process, especially when it comes to distributing the assets of a deceased person. Having a valid will can make the process of distributing assets in accordance with the decedent’s final wishes easier. However, the addition of a codicil to the will can sometimes complicate probate proceedings. A...

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Jan

Are Life Insurance Proceeds Taxable?

January 26, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Section 101 of the Internal Revenue Code generally provides that life insurance policy proceeds received by a beneficiary after the death of the insured are exempt from federal income tax. However, some important exceptions exist. Additionally, the proceeds may potentially be subject to state probate proceedings depending on the policy terms and beneficiaries. Life Insurance...

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Jan

The 2023 Increases to Federal Estate & Gift Tax Exclusions

January 5, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

The IRS has announced that it will be increasing the estate and gift tax exclusions for 2023. This means that more money can be passed on to heirs without being subject to taxes. For those who are planning their estates, this is good news. However, it also means that more people will be subject to...

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Dec

Are Organ Donation Wishes Expressed Without a Will Valid?

December 1, 2022Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

When a loved one passes away, their wishes for what their family should do with their body can be communicated through a will. This usually entails whether they wish to be buried or cremated, but it can also extend to organ donation. However, what if their wishes regarding organ donation were only communicated orally and...

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Nov

Can a Letter to an Attorney Amend a Will’s Contents After Death?

November 24, 2022Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

A will helps to communicate a decedent’s final wishes, including how they wish for their estate to be administered and which assets are to be given to specific beneficiaries. However, what if the decedent wrote letters to an attorney before they passed away that requested changes to be made to the will? Can a letter...

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