There are very few people who hear the name Dolly Parton and do not immediately think of a song. “Jolene.” “9 to 5.” “I Will Always Love You.” But Dolly’s fortune tells another fascinating story—one about a remarkable business empire, valuable intellectual property, generosity, and an estate that may remain largely private. But Dolly Parton built much … Read more
For many seniors living in Fort Worth, a pet is far more than an animal companion; they are a vital member of the family. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals offer deep emotional support, combat the isolation that often accompanies aging, and encourage an active daily routine. Research has consistently shown that pet ownership can … Read more
What Dolly Parton Can Teach Us About Leaving Something That Matters When most people think about your legacy, they may picture the things they will one day leave behind—a home, savings, investments, a family business, or other assets built over a lifetime. But legacy is about much more than what we own. It is also about … Read more
Leaving something to a child you love is one of the most natural impulses in estate planning. The legal reality of how that inheritance actually reaches them, however, is something most parents and grandparents have never thought through. Here’s the key question: can a minor inherit directly? In Texas, a minor cannot legally own or … Read more
Two recent conversations at Summit, one about blended family planning and one about trust language, highlight a challenge that shows up more often than attorneys might expect: clients and even attorneys sometimes read estate planning documents more literally than the drafters intended. This article explores how terms like “equal” and “irrevocable” can create real confusion and why helping clients understand how a plan actually functions matters just as much as how carefully it was drafted.
When building a comprehensive plan for the future, one question consistently tops the list for families in Fort Worth: Will my estate be subject to estate taxes? It is a vital question to ask. After spending a lifetime building a career, raising a family, and investing your hard-earned income, the last thing you want is … Read more
The legal battle over Tony Hsieh’s estate has entered a new and stranger phase. Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos and the man behind a bold effort to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, died in November 2020 at age 46 from smoke inhalation injuries suffered in a Connecticut house fire. He was worth an estimated $500 … Read more
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen.
When people find out that Medicare won’t cover nursing home care but Medicaid will, a question comes to mind: Can you give assets to your family to qualify for nursing home Medicaid? The answer is yes, you can transfer assets to your family before applying for nursing home Medicaid, but the timing and the method … Read more
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life’s most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love.