For those who want assurance that their assets will properly be distributed after they pass away, a last will is a common choice. With a will, an individual can specify the allocation of assets, beneficiaries, executors, guardianship for minors, and several other provisions. While wills are often considered unchangeable legal documents, this isn’t entirely accurate. Individuals can update and modify their wills in specific ways. Your wishes for your last will and testament may also change as life circumstances change. Fortunately, some options can

When it comes to estate planning, creating a last will and testament is one of the most important steps an individual can take to protect their loved ones after their death. While valid wills are legally binding documents, there are ways to further solidify them. One method to strengthen a will's validity is to make it "self-proving." However, other legal documents, such as trusts, codicils, and powers of attorney, can also be self-proving. A self-proving affidavit is the primary way to make a legal document self-proving. Self-proving affidavits are

A living trust is a tool individuals use as part of the estate planning process. The owner of the trust, or “grantor,” can revoke or change the trust instructions at any point in his or her lifetime. Living trusts have many benefits, such as avoiding probate, protecting privacy, and providing grantors greater flexibility and control. However, sometimes making changes to a living trust may be necessary.  For instance, changes in the law, personal circumstances, or family dynamics may necessitate trust modifications. Below, we explore the

When it comes to managing important financial and legal affairs, there may be situations where you cannot act or make decisions on your own. In such cases, having a power of attorney can be incredibly beneficial. Whether you fall ill, are traveling abroad, or simply need to focus on other matters for some time, a power of attorney can keep your life moving smoothly. Planning for these kinds of circumstances is an essential part of developing a comprehensive estate plan. In Texas, specific laws and regulations govern the power of attorney. For a power

If you are confused about exactly what probate is, you are not alone. Probate, in a nutshell, is the legal process that occurs when a person dies and their will is validated and administered. When the person in question, however, has no will, they are said to have died intestate, and the probate process involves distributing their estate in accordance with the state’s laws of intestacy.    In other words, it’s a complicated legal process, and having a better understanding of how it works can help you conquer your own estate planning