Many people have a childhood memory of somebody close to them passing away. Whether the deceased was a parent or grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a family friend, it may have been their first real encounter facing grief or attending a funeral. That experience may have left a lasting impression, influencing what you want—or do […]
Losing a loved one is challenging enough without added complications. One way you can take some of the pain out of administering your estate is by having a plan and some organization. One way that people have been getting organized is by preparing a death box, also called a death binder, next-of-kin box, or legacy folder. […]
You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your documents in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized for the first meeting. But what should you do when it comes to preparing to meet with your […]
When people think about estate planning, they often focus on wills, trusts, and inheritance. What’s often overlooked is the home’s condition, especially ongoing roof repairs or insurance claims. For many families in Austin and Travis County, the home is the estate’s largest asset. Unresolved roof damage or open insurance claims can cause delays, confusion, and unexpected […]
One goal of estate planning is to ensure assets, including your home, pass to chosen beneficiaries quickly and inexpensively. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate is adding others to the title of the property, such as a spouse, children, or other beneficiaries. Many who use this strategy are banking on using the “rights […]
You love your children and want to ensure that they are always taken care of. The desire to provide for them may also be shared by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. However, when leaving money and property to minor children, even the best intentions can lead to big problems. Common mistakes can cause chaos for your […]
Parents generally try to treat all their children fairly. We often assume that fairness means leaving an equal inheritance to each child. However, when it comes to an estate plan “fair” does not always mean “equal.” A thoughtful estate plan considers each child’s unique circumstances to create distributions that truly support their needs. Situations of “Unequal” […]
The term homestead may seem like a throwback to pioneer days, but homestead exemption laws are directly relevant to today’s estate planning and can play a valuable role in a modern plan. Almost every state has some form of homestead exemption law primarily focused on reducing property taxes and protecting home equity from creditors. While the best-known […]
