Estate Planning

When most people set up a life insurance policy, they simply use the beneficiary designation on that policy. They choose the person who should receive the death benefits when they pass away. They can also choose multiple beneficiaries simultaneously. But another...

Building wealth often takes years of hard work, careful investing and smart financial decisions. Without a proper estate plan, however, much of that wealth could become tied up in disputes, taxes or lengthy probate proceedings after death. A good estate plan is not...

Even a well-planned estate takes time to settle – and your loved ones may struggle during that time. While your executor gathers documents and has property evaluated, your beneficiaries may still need to cover the household bills, mortgage payments and more. Life...

Wealth can arrive through an inheritance, a business sale or even a lawsuit settlement. While this can create new opportunities, it can also introduce risks that can affect your long-term financial stability. Planning for the arrival of a windfall helps preserve the...

There are a lot of changes that can happen in just a few years. People are often told to update their estate plan every three to five years.  Before updating your estate plan, you may want to consider what changes you need to make. Here are some questions to ask: 1....

Estate planning can be as much about protecting the family as it is about establishing a legacy. People who leave behind substantial resources when they die may unintentionally trigger conflicts among their loved ones that cause permanent estrangement. While state law...

An executor plays a crucial role in an estate. They carry out the wishes of a testator (the person who creates a will). When estate planning, you’ll need to name someone who can assume this role and serve competently. Before making that choice, you’ll want to...

Marriage is not the only way two people combine their homes, finances and futures. For unmarried couples, estate planning raises a central question: whether the law reflects the life they have built together. Directing an inheritance to your partner If you die without...

Many people assume their assets will automatically pass to their loved ones after they die. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. If you die without an estate plan in Texas, state law, not your personal wishes, determines who inherits your property. If you live...

All adults should have an estate plan in place so their loved ones know their wishes. The estate plan’s cornerstone is the will, but some individuals may opt to set up a trust to facilitate easier asset transfers to their beneficiaries.  A trust is a legal tool that...