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Joint Tenancy Agreement being signed

Parental Warning: If You Own Your Property This Way, You May Accidentally Disinherit Your Own Children

Do you own your home, other property, or a financial account with someone else, such as a spouse or an adult child? If so, you might be surprised to learn that a common way of owning property could cause problems for your loved ones in the future. Jo… Read More
keys to the house you have inherited when you leave your home to someone

If I Leave Someone My Home, What Do They Really Get?

Your home is likely one of the most valuable assets you own, if not the most valuable. Calling it an asset can sound cold. A home is far more than an assortment of materials and possessions. It is also a place to live, gather, create life stories, an… Read More
Hand Writing Priorities Word Cloud for Estate Planning Priorities

Trust Funding: Setting Your Trustee Up for Success

A revocable living trust can serve as a valuable estate planning tool to help ensure that your finances remain well managed if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your affairs while you are alive) and to provide future financial security for y… Read More
Categories: Probate, Property, Trusts
Newlyweds walk down the aisle after being married, family applauds

Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Spouse

You found the love of your life, and as you have built your life together, you have likely weathered your fair share of storms and grown stronger because of them. Now that you are married, you are uniquely situated to provide meaningful support for y… Read More
Two children and two teenagers with the savings for unequal inheritance

Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances?

When thinking through their estate plan and how they want their assets (money and property) managed after they pass away, most parents wish to treat their children equally, often out of a sense of fairness. However, sometimes being fair or doing what… 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
Buying a Home with Someon…

Buying a Home with Someone Other than a Spouse? Be Mindful.

Rising housing costs, the desire for companionship, and the need to share resources are increasingly leading buyers to consider co-owning a home with someone other than a spouse, such as a friend, relative, or significant other. Although this arrange… Read More
Joint account (JTWROS) text in heart shape presented for active business education concept on paper slip background.

Why Joint Ownership (JTWROS) Should Not Necessarily Be the Go-To Plan for Newlyweds

If you recently married or have been married for a while and have acquired additional money or property (or plan to), you have options regarding how your assets can be owned. Although joint ownership seems easy and convenient, particularly when that… Read More
residuary beneficiaries after debts paid shown by a gift box with cash inside

Pros and Cons of Naming Many Residuary Beneficiaries in a Will or Trust

You have meticulously created your estate plan to ensure that it includes and addresses all of your most important assets (accounts and property). You have reviewed your asset list repeatedly, and everything seems to be accounted for. But what if you… Read More