blog & insights

How to Avoid Sending Your Loved Ones (and Assets) through Probate

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Many people today are using a revocable living trust instead of a will or joint ownership as the foundation of their estate plan. When properly prepared, a living trust will avoid the public, costly and time-consuming court processes of conservatorship or guardianship (due to incapacity) or probate (after death). Still, many people make a big…

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The Grace Period Conundrum in Texas Residential Lease Agreements

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If you’ve been a renter under a residential lease in Texas, chances are you have come across language something this: After reading something like this in a lease agreement you are very likely to think, “OK cool, I have until the 3rd of the month to pay my rent each month without anything bad happening…

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Nosey Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate. Really.

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Most people think of probate as a private process. However, since wills are filed at the courthouse, probated estates become a matter of public record. That means your nosey neighbor Nellie can simply go down to the courthouse or hop online and find out about your probate. Really. It’s Not Just Nellie That Has Access……

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How to Choose the Right Agent for Your Incapacity Plan

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A common misconception is that estate planning equates to death planning. But planning for what happens after you die is only one piece of the estate planning puzzle. It is just as important to make a plan for what happens if you become mentally incapacitated. What Happens Without an Incapacity Plan? Without a comprehensive incapacity…

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3 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs

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The bad news: probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, accountants, courts, and state law. Depending on the probate’s complexity, fees can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The good news: probate costs can be reduced by avoiding probate. It’s really that simple. Here are three simple ways…

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