Introduction A will is a legal document that dictates what happens to your possessions and assets after you die. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by two witnesses, as well as the person making the will (the “testator”). The witnesses cannot be related to the testator by blood or marriage. There…
TX-LW Blogs
Does a Power of Attorney End at Death?
Introduction In Texas, a power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf. This can be for financial or medical decisions, and is often used if the person named in the POA is unable to make decisions for themselves. But what happens to a POA…
8 Things to Know about Living Trusts in Texas
Introduction A living trust is a legal arrangement in which you, the grantor, transfer property to a trustee. The trustee then manages the property for the benefit of a named beneficiary or beneficiaries. Living trusts are created during the grantor’s lifetime and can be revocable or irrevocable. Texas has specific laws governing living trusts, so…
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
Introduction A special needs trust is a type of trust fund established to provide supplemental financial support for a disabled individual, without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. If you’re the parent or guardian of a disabled individual in Texas, setting up a special needs trust may be something you’ve considered in order to provide…
Texas Taxes: Is an Owner Liable for Business Taxes?
When one thinks of Texas and taxes, the idea that Texas does not have an income tax may come to mind. This is true. Texas does not currently have an income tax. This does not mean that Texas does not collect taxes. Texas collects taxes–and a lot of taxes. This includes everything from property taxes……
How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Texas
Introduction The process of probate can be a long and complicated one, especially if the estate in question is large. But what if the estate is small? In Texas, there is a process known as a small estate affidavit that can be used in these cases. In this blog post, we will walk you through…
Does Separate Property Acquired in One State Count as Community Property in Texas?
Introduction When it comes to probate, property division can be a complex and contentious issue. If you and your spouse own property in more than one state, the question of which state’s laws will govern the division of that property can become even more complicated. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of…
The IRS’s Ability to Collect Foreign Assets
Those who have unpaid taxes owed to the IRS may have assets located in foreign countries. If the IRS cannot collect from assets located in the United States, it may seek to collect from foreign assets. This is often a very difficult task. While the IRS has a number of tools to collect from foreign……
Can Making an “X” on a Signature Line Validate a Will?
Introduction: Legal requirements Can making an “X” on a signature line in a will validate the document? The simple answer is: maybe. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in order to be valid. However, there is no specific requirement as to how the…