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…
Tag: estate planning
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…
How Do You Prove the Adopted Status of a Family Member in Texas?
Introduction Proving the adopted status of a family member in Texas can be difficult if you don’t have the right documentation. Learn what you need to know in this blog post. The Importance of Proving Adopted Status When an individual in Texas wants to adopt a family member, they must first prove their status as…
Does a Constructive Trust Have to Be in Writing?
Introduction A constructive trust is an equitable remedy imposed by a court to prevent one party from unjustly enriching themselves at the expense of another. It can be used to rectify many different types of situations, such as when someone uses fraud or duress to obtain property. In Texas, a constructive trust does not have…
Does Adding Class Descriptions to a Texas Will Create Class Gifts?
Introduction Adding class descriptions to a Texas will can create class gifts, which can be a great way to divide up your estate among your loved ones. However, it’s important to understand how this works before you make any decisions. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how adding class descriptions to a…
Does a Written Name Constitute a Valid Signature on a Will?
Introduction In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. But what happens if the testator only has a written name? Is that considered a valid signature on a Texas will? In this blog post, we will explore the answer…
Who Will Serve as Personal Representative in Your Will?
Introduction When you’re making your will, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will serve as your personal representative. Your personal representative is the person who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die, so it’s important to choose someone you trust implicitly. There are a few things to…
Are You Suitable to Serve as a Texas Executor?
If you have been named as an executor or administrator of someone’s estate in the state of Texas, you need to know what duties and responsibilities come with the job. This article will go over your legal requirements, highlighting what you need to do before beginning. Probate Case Law Olguin v. Jungman, 931 S.W.2d 607…