Deciding who will take over your business one day may seem intimidating at first. After all, you want to make sure your hard work keeps paying off even after your death. Effective estate planning involves not only managing your assets but also designating an heir...
Houston Estate Planning And Probate Law Blog
What are some hidden signs of a manipulative executor?
In the aftermath of a loved one's death, the process of handling their estate can be emotionally taxing. Dealing with an executor, the individual responsible for administering the dead person's wishes, should ideally be a straightforward experience. However, some...
4 signs you need to update your estate plan
An estate plan ensures your wishes unfold the way you want, but planning is not a one-and-done task. Life is ever-changing, and so are your circumstances. Your estate plan should evolve with you to remain effective and aligned with your current goals, especially when...
Can creditors file claims against my estate after I die?
Estate planning makes the process of distributing assets after death an easy one. If you reside in Texas, it is important to know the involvement of creditors in this process and whether they retain the ability to file claims against your estate. Consider the...
3 ways to prevent a will contest
As you build your wealth, you want the confidence that it gets dispersed the way you want upon your death. If you have planned ahead, unlike the two out of three Americans without any estate planning documentation, according to Caring.com, you feel a sense of...
Avoid these succession planning mistakes
You spent a lifetime building a successful business. Do not let a poor succession plan destroy your legacy. A successful transition of ownership affects more than your legacy, however. The U.S. economy relies on small businesses. According to Bankrate, 99.9 percent of...
Sabotage? Encumbrance and your commercial real estate deal
Many states have laws that deal with commercial real estate transactions. These provide the boundaries for the sale and transfer of property. Encumbrance is the legal term that defines a legal interest in a property held by someone other than the property owner....
You found a handwritten will: what now?
When a loved one passes away, the responsibility of going through property and sorting out affairs often falls to family or close friends. As someone tasked with this enormous and emotional feat, you may not know what to expect. What happens if you find a hastily...
Keeping a small business afloat after you pass
While it is not fun to think about what should happen after you die, it is necessary for people of all ages to discuss. This is especially true if you own a small business and hope to see that business continue and thrive after your death. Here are some ways to keep a...
What exactly is testamentary capacity?
If your elderly parents have not yet drafted an estate plan, you may be in store for some headaches after their death. In addition to having to deal with family disputes, you may be at risk of losing out on some or all of your inheritance. As individuals age, they...