The number of marriages in Texas has been in steady decline for years. The reasons for this vary, but it hardly means love or romance is dead. Most young couples choose instead to cohabitate, effectively acting as a married couple without the formality of a ceremony or even creating a common law marriage. Yet, these unmarried […]
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), from 1986 through 2018, tens of millions of firearms were both manufactured in and imported into the United States.[1] Where are those guns today? They are most likely filling gun safes, closets, nightstands, and desk drawers in homes all across this country. Regardless of whether […]
A critical question to ask yourself when creating an estate plan is who will get your stuff when you pass on? People often think of an estate in relation to the larger assets (such as homes, retirement accounts, savings), and personal property (i.e. jewelry, clothing, sports equipment, vehicles, and other possessions are often overlooked). The truth […]
We collect stuff throughout our lives. This “stuff” is known as our personal property. Some items are valuable, like jewelry, baseball cards, and works of art. Other items are sentimental, like grandma’s tea set, old Christmas ornaments, and photographs. Regardless of the value of your property, it is important that these items be distributed the way […]
When most people think of estate planning, they think of assets such as bank or brokerage accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, and real estate. But sometimes invaluable personal property, such as family heirlooms or keepsakes, needs to be included as well. This type of property should not be overlooked in your estate plan just because it […]
What constitutes a “large” gift can be relative. That being said, if you are considering giving cash or property to someone, a little bit of planning can really help avoid negative consequences. This is particularly true if the gifted amounts are over $15,000.00, will be gifted in property, will be gifted on a regular basis, or […]
Did you ever wonder what happens to your digital footprint when you pass away? Well you should, particularly if you are part of the 77 percent of Americans who go online every day. As the internet has become more of an integral part of our lives, our information — pictures, videos, financial, emails, social media accounts, […]
Whether your beloved collection consists of artwork, books, cars, music, or other significant items, you should not forget about this valuable asset when estate planning. You have likely spent quite some time — whether years or your entire life — building your collection; you should not leave its fate to the whims of the court. Estate […]
