An executor named in a will or appointed by the probate court owes a fiduciary duty to manage an estate by following the deceased’s instructions. SmartAsset.com reports that an executor’s responsibilities include notifying heirs of the estate and informing them of...
Finetuning your estate plan will span your entire lifetime. As your life changes and new experiences happen, you will encounter more than one incident that requires you to update your plan. Knowing when and how to update your strategy can prevent costly and...
In most cases, biological parents serve as legal guardians who make all decisions regarding their children's welfare. However, the Texas court system may appoint someone else to fill this role when a child's parents cannot fulfill these obligations because of death,...
When a loved one passes away, probate court is often necessary and helpful in settling his or her final arrangements and distributing assets to any heirs named in a will. U.S. News notes that smaller, uncontested estates, those worth less than $70,000, usually have an...
When creating your estate plan, selecting an executor is one of the most important parts of the process. After all, this person will oversee your estate after your death. Of course, many people automatically lean toward a family member when choosing their executor....
Not every will is equal. Unfortunately, some people will battle with an unfair or unequal will that intentionally avoids giving someone their dues, or a will that was the result of undue influence. In these cases, it is possible to contest the will. However, not every...
When you hold property or assets you plan to pass on to family members after your death, making plans that protect your beneficiaries can ensure they receive all of what you intended. According to U.S. News, your heirs may have to pay considerable taxes and fees on...
When you craft your Texas estate plan, you may decide to appoint someone with whom you have a good deal of trust as your executor. The executor is the party who oversees the distribution and management of your estate after your death, so there are a number of key...
There comes a time when we realize our relatives can no longer stay independent. Caring for those we love then becomes our duty. Guardianship provides the right for someone to make legal decisions for another. It is sometimes difficult to know when to craft one of...
Like others, you may think estate planning only involves writing a will and only matters if you have significant assets you wish to pass on. However, it also includes the creation of advance care directives. Understanding the types of advance care directives to...