Houser FirmHouser Firm2026-09-24T10:46:10Zhttps://www.houserfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1603595/2022/06/cropped-favicon-site_identity-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[Why a good estate plan is crucial for wealthy Texas families]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=501962026-09-17T10:47:37Z2026-09-24T10:46:10ZBuilding 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 only for deciding who receives property and investments. It is also about protecting loved ones, preserving family wealth and ensuring personal wishes are followed without confusion.
1. Protecting how your assets are distributed
One of the most important reasons for estate planning is maintaining control over how assets are handled after death. A clear estate plan allows wealthy individuals to decide who receives real estate, investments, business interests and personal property.
2. Reducing taxes and financial losses
Texas does not impose its own estate taxes, but large estates worth over $15 million per person, or $30 million per couple, may face significant federal estate tax obligations. That exemption point could move up or down in years to come. However, strategic estate planning can help reduce unnecessary tax burdens and preserve more wealth for future generations.Methods such as trusts, gifting strategies and beneficiary planning may help families avoid losing large portions of an estate to taxes and administrative costs.
3. Preventing family disputes
Disagreements over inheritance can create long-lasting family conflict since wealthy families often face disputes involving business ownership, valuable property or unequal distributions between heirs.A detailed estate plan can reduce uncertainty by clearly explaining how assets should be divided and who will manage financial responsibilities after death.
4. Protecting future generations
Well-detailed estate planning can also help protect children, dependents and future heirs. Trust structures and financial instructions may help preserve wealth for education, medical care or future family needs while maintaining long-term financial stability.
Planning with confidence
Estate planning provides peace of mind by helping individuals prepare for the future before unexpected events occur. It also helps families avoid delays, confusion and unnecessary legal complications during difficult times.Seeking professional and experienced legal guidance may help individuals create a stronger estate plan that protects assets, supports loved ones and preserves family wealth for generations.
]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[How can life insurance ease inheritance burdens?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502292026-09-18T20:07:55Z2026-09-23T20:06:10ZMoney that bypasses probate
Your estate may be valuable on paper but have problems with liquidity. Most of your wealth might be tied up in a family business, rental properties or long-term investments. That can prove problematic if your estate is subject to federal estate taxes, which are typically due within nine months after someone’s death. If your estate doesn’t have the cash, your family may have to borrow money or sell valuables to pay.
One of the key benefits of a life insurance policy is that the proceeds are paid directly to the beneficiary or beneficiaries you name, rather than going through probate. That gives them immediate liquid assets that can be used for bills and estate taxes.
Life insurance can also help balance inheritances fairly. You may want to leave a family business to the child who works there while providing comparable inheritances to your other children. Naming those children as beneficiaries of an insurance policy can help balance their inheritances without breaking up or selling the business. The same approach can be used if you want to leave a child the family ranch, home or some other valuable asset that cannot be divided.
Life insurance works best when coordinated with your will, trusts and other estate planning tools. Used thoughtfully, it can give your loved ones financial support, flexibility and breathing room when they need it most. Talking with a experienced estate planning attorney about your goals for your estate and loved ones can make it easier to get the results you want.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[Receive a recent windfall? Planning for sudden wealth events]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502232026-09-18T20:07:50Z2026-09-23T20:06:08ZThe impact of sudden wealth
A sudden increase in assets can change how an estate plan functions. Existing documentation may no longer reflect your current needs or the size of your estate. Reviewing core documents can ensure that your entire plan matches your new financial reality.
Large asset increases also raise concerns about long-term management. Ideally, decisions about investment oversight, tax exposure and asset protection should be made before funds are moved or spent.
Protect your new assets
You do not necessarily need to start fresh after a wealth event. If you already have a plan, follow these steps to safeguard your new wealth:
Review beneficiary designations across all accounts.
Consider trusts for long-term management and controlled distributions.
These steps help ensure that new assets are properly titled, protected and aligned with your long-term goals. If you do not already have an estate plan, it is wise to set one up quickly after a sudden windfall.
Long-term preservation
Sudden wealth typically requires ongoing oversight. Trusts can help manage distributions for heirs, protect assets from future claims and support charitable goals. Business owners may need additional planning to address succession issues or future liquidity needs. Individuals receiving lawsuit settlements may benefit from structured arrangements that provide predictable income over time.
Developing a long-term strategy with experienced legal guidance helps ensure that your new wealth prioritizes future security rather than creating new vulnerabilities.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[3 reasons it may be time to update your estate plan]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502172026-09-18T20:07:41Z2026-09-23T20:06:06ZThere 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. Have you moved?
Each state has unique estate planning laws. If you have moved to Texas, you may need to consider how Texas’s laws can impact your estate plan. You may need to alter your estate plan to consider inheritance and estate laws and property laws. You may also have to alter certain estate planning documents, such as trusts, transfers on death deeds or holographic wills.
2. Has your marital status changed?
Were you single, married or divorced the last time you drafted your estate plan? You may need to update your estate plan if your marital status has changed. You may need to alter your list of beneficiaries to add or remove a spouse. Furthermore, you may want to consider updating your power of attorney document. Your agent could have the power to manage your future health care or financial accounts. You may want to consider who your power of attorney agent is if your marital status has changed.
3. Have you invested in real estate?
You may have invested in real estate since you last drafted your estate plan. Real estate is a major asset that you may want to include in your will or trust. You may need to consider what happens to your real estate after you pass away and who should inherit the asset.Ready to update your estate plan? You can reach out for professional legal guidance for help.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[What are the requirements for a spendthrift trust in Texas?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502142026-09-18T20:07:34Z2026-09-23T20:06:04ZTexas law sets out specific requirements of a spendthrift trust that must be satisfied for it to function as intended.
What are the requirements of a spendthrift trust?
A valid spendthrift trust requires clear language in the trust document. The trust should expressly state that a beneficiary's interest cannot be voluntarily or involuntarily transferred before the trustee makes a distribution. Texas law recognizes language identifying the arrangement as a spendthrift trust as sufficient to create this restriction.
The trustee must also maintain legal control over the trust property. Rather than giving the beneficiary unrestricted access to trust assets, the trustee is responsible for managing the property and deciding when distributions are made according to the terms of the trust.
Like any trust, a spendthrift trust must also satisfy the general legal requirements for creating a valid trust. This typically includes a settlor with legal capacity, a clear intent to establish the trust, identifiable trust property and beneficiaries who can be determined.
It is also important to understand the limits of spendthrift protection. In general, you cannot create a spendthrift trust for your own benefit and expect it to shield your assets from your personal creditors. Texas law also recognizes certain exceptions, including circumstances involving child support obligations.
Finally, the protection provided by a spendthrift trust generally applies only while the assets remain inside the trust. After the trustee distributes money or property to the beneficiary, those assets are usually no longer protected by the spendthrift provision and may become subject to creditor claims under applicable law.
Proper trust drafting plays a significant role in preserving intended asset protection benefits. Even relatively minor drafting errors can affect how a trust operates or whether its protections apply. If questions arise regarding trust administration or Texas trust litigation, seeking legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[3 tools to stop a family from fighting over an estate]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=501982026-09-17T10:47:33Z2026-09-23T10:46:09Z1. No-contest clauses
People hoping to secure a larger portion of an estate often challenge wills in probate court. Adding a no-contest clause can disinherit those who bring frivolous will contests, which can prevent people from contesting a will unless they genuinely believe it doesn’t reflect the deceased’s wishes.
2. Trusts
Using a trust to manage the descent of valuable property instead of bequeathing assets to specific beneficiaries in a will can be an effective tactic. Trusts offer greater control over the distribution and use of inherited property. They can be helpful for controlling a legacy and limiting opportunities for conflict.
3. Estate planning transparency
Many disputes about estate planning begin with her unrealistic expectations and disappointment after a will reading. People believe they should inherit more than they receive, possibly due to family dynamics or their relationship with the testator. Discussing testamentary intentions with the entire family in advance can limit the likelihood of people expecting to inherit more than they receive and fighting over the estate later.
There are numerous tools that can strengthen an estate plan and reduce opportunities for conflict after a person dies. Discussing priorities and family dynamics with an estate planning attorney can help people protect their families and leave meaningful legacies.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[Have you chosen an executor for your estate plan?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=501992026-09-17T10:47:23Z2026-09-22T10:46:09Zestate’s executor is responsible for, and what qualities tend to define successful executors.
What are their duties?
An executor has several roles, including:
Locating the will and filing it with the court
Notifying beneficiaries and interested parties of probate proceedings
Locating, securing, appraising and managing the estate’s property
Paying insurance premiums
Paying debts and taxes
Filing tax returns
Distributing assets to beneficiaries
Closing the estate
It’s important to connect your chosen executor with the professionals you work with when estate planning, such as your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, tax professional or life insurance agent. This way, they can get necessary guidance to make informed decisions.
Who should you choose?
Someone who is at least 18 years old, of sound mind, has no felony convictions and cannot be deemed unsuitable by the court can serve as an executor in Texas. If you name an out-of-state resident, they must appoint a Texas agent or a Texas attorney who will receive legal notices and official documents on behalf of the estate.
Besides Texas requirements, you should consider other qualities, including willingness to serve, trustworthiness, financial responsibility, objectivity, organizational skills and availability.
How will they be appointed?
When the time to assume their role comes, your nominated executor must apply with the court for letters testamentary or letters of administration. The court will review their nomination and decide whether to officially appoint them.
Consider naming an alternate (successor) executor in your will. Thus, if the primary one is unable to serve, the alternate one takes the role seamlessly.
Choosing an executor is a critical part of estate planning. Learn more about the role to name the most suitable person. Seeking legal guidance is a great way to get started.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[Can you include an unmarried partner in your Texas estate plan?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502212026-09-08T10:07:08Z2026-09-11T10:06:37ZDirecting an inheritance to your partner
If you die without a will, Texas intestacy law does not give your unmarried partner a share of your probate estate based on your relationship alone. The outcome differs if both of you meet the legal test for an informal marriage, because Texas then recognizes you as married.
That requires proof that you and your partner agreed to be married, lived together in Texas as spouses and represented yourselves to others as married. After one of you dies, establishing those facts depends on the evidence left behind and can lead to a dispute.
A valid will lets you name your partner as a beneficiary and decide what property they receive. A revocable living trust provides another option, but only assets transferred to the trust avoid probate and pass under its terms.
Transferring assets outside probate
Outside your will, certain assets pass to a named beneficiary and never enter probate. Your partner receives these only if the controlling document names him or her:
Life insurance proceeds, paid to the named policy beneficiary
Retirement accounts, transferred under the plan's beneficiary form
Payable-on-death bank accounts, released to the person you name
A home or land, conveyed by a recorded transfer-on-death deed
A valid beneficiary designation or transfer-on-death deed determines who receives the asset, even if your will leaves it to someone else. Reviewing these records with the rest of your estate plan helps ensure they still name your partner and reflect your wishes.
Granting authority during your incapacity
A durable power of attorney lets you name your partner to handle your finances, such as paying bills or managing accounts. The word “durable” matters because the document remains in effect if you lose capacity, so the person you appointed retains that authority.
Health care requires separate planning. A medical power of attorney authorizes your partner to make health care decisions after a physician certifies in writing that you lack the capacity to do so. Without it, Texas law looks to relatives in a fixed order, which does not include unmarried partners.
An attorney can help you decide which financial and medical powers to grant your partner, draft the appropriate language under Texas law and explain when each document takes effect. That review also identifies conflicts with the rest of your estate plan before they create problems during an emergency.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[What happens if you die without an estate plan in Texas?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=502012026-07-09T12:48:24Z2026-07-14T22:38:25ZTexas law decides who inherits your property
When you die without a valid will, you die "intestate." Texas intestacy laws establish who receives your assets based on your surviving family members. Depending on your circumstances, your estate may pass to:
Your spouse
Your children or descendants
Your parents
Your siblings
More distant relatives if no close family members survive
The distribution depends on several factors, including whether your property is separate or community property and whether you have children from a previous relationship.
Some assets may still avoid probate
Not every asset passes through your estate. Certain property transfers directly to beneficiaries regardless of whether you have a will. Examples include:
Life insurance proceeds with a named beneficiary
Retirement accounts with beneficiary designations
Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts
Jointly owned property with survivorship rights
However, assets without beneficiary designations or other transfer mechanisms typically pass through the probate process under Texas intestacy laws.
An estate plan does more than distribute property
A comprehensive estate plan allows you to make important decisions before they become someone else's responsibility. Depending on your needs, your estate plan may help you:
Decide who will receive your assets.
Appoint a guardian for your minor children.
Select a trusted person to administer your estate.
Minimize confusion and potential family conflicts.
Ensure your estate plan reflects your personal wishes.
Without these documents, your family may face unnecessary delays, additional legal expenses, and uncertainty during an already difficult time.
Planning now gives your family greater certainty
Creating an estate plan is one of the most effective ways to maintain control over what happens to your property. Whether your estate is simple or complex, proper planning can help ensure your assets pass according to your wishes instead of relying on default state laws.
If you live in Dallas or elsewhere in Texas, an experienced estate planning attorney can evaluate your goals, explain your options, and help you create a plan that protects your loved ones and provides peace of mind for the future.]]>On Behalf of Houser Firm<![CDATA[Why should you consider a trust in your estate plan?]]>https://www.houserfirm.com/?p=501922026-05-08T05:41:51Z2026-05-13T05:41:35ZAll 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 allows the creator to set terms for how and when assets are distributed. They are categorized as either revocable or irrevocable. A revocable trust can be changed as you see fit. An irrevocable trust can’t be changed at all unless the beneficiaries or the court agree. You can keep control of a revocable trust while you’re living, but control over the irrevocable trust must be handed over to a trustee.
Ease of transfer
When you establish and fund a trust to hand down assets, your loved ones don’t have to go through the probate process to get those assets. This means that the terms of the trust don’t have to become part of a public court record, which gives the beneficiaries privacy. Additionally, bypassing probate means that they will likely receive the assets faster and with less cost than what would occur if they had to go through probate.
Other estate plan components are necessary
A trust by itself isn’t a comprehensive estate plan. Getting your estate plan together is a way to let your loved ones know your wishes. It covers everything from who will care for your affairs if you become incapacitated to what will happen when you pass away. Working with someone who’s familiar with estate planning may make it easier to ensure your wishes are conveyed in an enforceable manner.
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