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Want to Disinherit Someone? This Is What You Need to Know

Disinheritance—the intentional exclusion of a family member, usually a child or spouse, from receiving part of your estate after your death—is more common than you might think. It is also easier than you might think to disinherit a loved one, wit… Read More
Austin, TX--Cowboy memorial statue may artist Constance Whitney Warren established in 1952 sitting in front of the Texas capitol building downtown Austin. Texas Capitol Demonstrating unclaimed property and escheat to the state

Do Not Let Your Money and Property Go to the State: Why You Need an Estate Plan so any Unclaimed Property Does Not Escheat

Americans tend to bristle when any level of the government meddles in their private lives, especially with their money. Look no further than the famous “death and taxes” quote for a sense of how Americans feel about bureaucratic creep and governm… Read More
Fish bowl over piggy bank symbolizing asset protection

Three Asset Protection Tips You Can Use Now

A common misconception is that only wealthy individuals and people in high-risk professions, such as doctors or lawyers, need an asset protection plan. However, anyone can be sued. A car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, or an injured tena… Read More
Uncle playing video game with nephews for article about why corporate trustee might be better.

Five Reasons Uncle Bill May Not Make a Good Trustee (and Maybe a Corporate Trustee is a Better Choice)

If you have created a trust that you intend to last for decades, choosing the right trustee is critical to ensuring the trust’s longevity and ultimate success. Initially, you may think that a family member (for example, Uncle Bill to your children,… Read More
Black graduation cap and tassle on top of wooden building blocks

How an Inheritance Can Help with Loved Ones' Educational Costs

A primary goal of estate planning is to provide financially for your loved ones. One way to ensure they are set up for lifelong success is to create an estate plan that allows an inheritance to help with your loved ones’ educational costs. High… Read More
Health Insurance Portability and accountability act and stethoscope. HIPAA

HIPAA: An Overview for Young Adults

The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted to provide guidelines to the healthcare industry for protecting patient information and preserving privacy. This is usually a nonissue for minors because pare… Read More
Life Insurance on a tablet

Be Careful Relying on Life Insurance to Provide for Loved Ones

About half of Americans have a life insurance policy. The primary reason people purchase life insurance is to fund burial and other final expenses. However, a policy can help pay for much more, such as replacing lost income, paying off debts, equaliz… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
file folder as example of where to store your original estate planning documents

Where Is the Best Place to Store Your Original Estate Planning Documents?

Estate planning attorneys are often asked where original estate planning documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—should be stored for safekeeping. While there is no right or wrong answer to the question of where you… Read More
Including unborn children in estate plan image shows child leaning over pregnant mother’s stomach

Should I Include My Unborn Child in My Estate Plan?

Estate planning is an exercise in anticipating potential future events that could affect your plans for what happens if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime) and how your assets (property and accounts) will… Read More
Sign that says JUST in CASE because disinheritance happens

Have a Harmonious Family that Does Not Fight? You Still Need an Estate Plan

Last week, we shared tips for avoiding a will contest. In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, y… Read More