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 the proceeds from a life insurance policy are generally tax-free to the recipient if the recipient is the beneficiary of the policy and is receiving the proceeds as a result of the death of the insured. There are some exceptions to this general rule. For...

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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

What If Someone Removes Organs from a Deceased Family Member without Permission?

December 1, 2022Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Dealing with the death of a loved one is an incredibly emotional time. Because it is so sensitive, there are legal remedies that allow members of a decedent’s family to recover for monetary damages if matters are not dealt with properly. One of the remedies is for negligent infliction of mental anguish. What is this?...

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Nov

Does a Letter to Your Attorney Count as a Change to Your Will?

November 24, 2022Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Introduction A will is a legal document that dictates what happens to your possessions and assets after you die. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by two witnesses, as well as the person making the will (the “testator”). The witnesses cannot be related to the testator by blood or marriage. There...

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