From the desk of Certified Paralegal, Terrie O'Donnell This year, I had the opportunity to visit our Nation’s Capital for Memorial Day. While many associate Memorial Day with barbecues and a long weekend, Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This visit to our Nation’s Capital allowed me to reflect upon the true meaning behind this solemn holiday. Originally known as Decoration … [Read more...] about Observing Memorial Day in Our Nation’s Capital
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An Irrevocable Trust Need Not Be Scary
The most common type of irrevocable trust is the Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT). This trust holds life insurance on the grantor's life and prevents the insurance from being taxed in the grantor's estate at their death. While irrevocable trusts have many advantages, they cannot be changed or revoked by the grantor. However, a special co-trustee or trust protector can be appointed to make limited changes to the trust document. For example, if the trust was set up … [Read more...] about An Irrevocable Trust Need Not Be Scary
Don’t Procrastinate: Five Reasons To Plan Your Estate Now
There are numerous reasons why we tend to procrastinate and avoid doing what we should, but when it comes to estate planning, procrastination can have serious consequences. Here are five reasons why avoiding procrastination is crucial when it comes to estate planning: While everyone's reasons for estate planning are unique, the common goal is to ensure that you and your family are cared for during times of need. Effective estate planning can help achieve these goals. A qualified … [Read more...] about Don’t Procrastinate: Five Reasons To Plan Your Estate Now
Estate Planning for Parents With Children in College
As a parent, you want to ensure that your children are always taken care of, even after you're gone. When you have children in college, it's important to consider estate planning to ensure that your assets and finances are properly allocated to your loved ones. If you have college-aged children, contact us online or via phone at 817-899-3286 to discuss your estate plan and goals with an experienced attorney. Here are five things to keep in mind when planning your estate as a parent with … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Parents With Children in College
A Health Care Directive Make a Difference
Illness is an experience we have all faced, whether it is a common flu or a more chronic condition. It can make us feel vulnerable and helpless. While we cannot always avoid getting sick, we can take steps to mitigate the impact of illness by expressing our wishes ahead of time. One way to do this is by creating an Advance Health Care Directive. This legal document outlines your instructions for what medical providers should do in certain circumstances, such as refraining from performing CPR … [Read more...] about A Health Care Directive Make a Difference
Too Much of a Good Thing – Enter the Family Incentive Trust
While we may have different ideas about what we want to happen after our death, there is a fundamental connection that unites us all - we all cherish our children's future, and we are all mortal, as President John F. Kennedy once said. As such, most of us strive to provide for our families and leave them better off than we were. However, it's important to note that additional financial resources may not always improve our children's lives. Giving children more money can sometimes make them less … [Read more...] about Too Much of a Good Thing – Enter the Family Incentive Trust
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Legal Considerations
Estate planning is crucial for everyone, regardless of marital status. However, unmarried couples face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Without the legal protections afforded to married couples, unmarried couples must take extra steps to ensure that their assets and wishes are protected. If you're part of an unmarried couple, contact us online or via phone at 817-899-3286 to learn more about the legal considerations from an estate planning perspective. Here are five … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Legal Considerations
What Does the Respect for Marriage Act Mean for Estate Planning?
When the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), Estate Planning practitioners took note. Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion, indicated that it would be appropriate to revisit that were decided on substantive due process rights. This led Trust and Estate attorneys to question whether Estate Planning for same-sex couples needs to change. President Biden answered the question in the negative by signing into law the … [Read more...] about What Does the Respect for Marriage Act Mean for Estate Planning?
Your Ex-spouse May Get Most of Your Assets
Nowadays, divorce is a common occurrence. In 2020, the National Center for Health Statistics reported 2.1 divorces per 1,000 in Texas. If you have gone through a divorce and remarried, it is crucial to update your estate planning documents to reflect your changed circumstances. Failure to do so can lead to a nightmare scenario for your family in case of an unexpected accident or illness. For example, suppose you become incapacitated, and your ex-spouse is listed as your agent under … [Read more...] about Your Ex-spouse May Get Most of Your Assets
Estate Planning for the Elderly: Protecting Your Assets
Estate planning is important for people of all ages, but it is particularly crucial for the elderly. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to protect our assets and ensure that our wishes are followed after we pass away. If you're estate planning yourself or helping an elderly loved one, contact us online or via phone at 817-899-3286 to learn more about the process from a professional attorney. Here are five points to guide you: 1. Create a Will or Trust One of the most … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for the Elderly: Protecting Your Assets
