A Texas Durable Power of Attorney authorizes a person you name to handle your financial affairs when you are incapable of doing so. This person will act a s attorney in fact for you. Depending on the authorizations given in the Durable General Power of Attorney the agent can make financial decisions for you including: [...]
(+) Read MoreDo I need a Living Will? What is a Medical Directive in Texas?
December 13, 2009
A Medical Directive (Living Will) is a written directive in which you express your wishes concerning medical treatment. Of course, neither the Medical Power of Attorney nor the Living Will is effective if you can still communicate. But in those situations where you have lost the ability to speak for yourself, these documents make sure [...]
(+) Read MoreDo I need a Medical Power of Attorney in Texas?
December 5, 2009
Most of us have had informal conversations with family and friends about hypothetical medical situations. If a time ever came when a family member would have to relay your wishes to a doctor, would they really know what your wishes were? More importantly, if they did know, could they relay your wishes accurately in a [...]
(+) Read MoreHow do I give my property away in my Will in Texas?
November 30, 2009
A Specific Bequest is a gift of a specific item made to someone in a Will. Example: I give my baseball card collection and my 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille to my nephew, John Smith. The Residuary Estate is everything in your estate that is not specifically bequeathed in your Will. Example: I give, devise and [...]
(+) Read MoreWhat does it mean to have a “Self Proving” Will in Texas?
November 23, 2009
A self-proven Will allows for the probate of a will without the necessity to produce a witness in court to prove the will was executed with the requisite formalities. A will that is not self proven is still valid however you will need to take steps to prove up the will. When my clients sign [...]
(+) Read MoreWhy have a contingency trust in your Texas Will?
November 17, 2009
I am sure you have heard stories about a child whose parents tragically passed away and left their son all their assets. What does an 18 year old kid who does not have any limitation do with $50,000, $100,000, or more? Blow the inheritance with nothing to show. A Contingency Trust in a Will can [...]
(+) Read MoreWho should I appoint as Guardian in my Texas Will?
November 12, 2009
A Guardian is someone appointed in your Will that will act as a surrogate parent to your child. A will allows you to appoint a Guardian for your minor children in the case of the death of both you and your spouse. If you do not appoint a Guardian for your minor children the courts [...]
(+) Read MoreWho should I appoint as Executor in my Texas Will?
November 9, 2009
An Executor (Male) or Executrix (Female) is someone appointed in your Will that admits your Will to Probate and follows through on the execution of the terms of your Will. If you have a will, you can specify that your executor serves without necessity of a bond. You can also allow for the independent administration [...]
(+) Read MoreWhy do I need a Will in Texas?
November 4, 2009
A Will provides guidance to your loved ones after your passing. It gives you the power to make decisions ahead of time to prevent further burden upon your family. A Will allows you to designate an executor, appoint a guardian for your children, and appoint a trustee to oversee assets for young children. Your Will [...]
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