People starting a marriage or retirement need to plan for the future in Killeen, Texas. Estate planning helps families plan their future goals. It takes eight steps to open a probate estate with the correct state court. People can skip some steps without a will. Wills...
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Wills And Probate
What could happen if you die without a will in Texas?
It's understandable for people to avoid estate planning or thinking about what will happen after they die. However, writing your will is a crucial part of taking care of your family before your death. Writing a will ensures that all of your belongings will go to your...
Revocable trusts and probate in Texas
The assets you own deserve to be used how you hope when you die. However, estate owners might find it a challenge to protect their assets without a trust. A will provides direction regarding the use of your belongings, but it can be contested during probate once you...
Texas inheritance laws to keep in mind
Inheritance laws in Texas are generally less complicated than in other states since Texas does not impose any inheritance or estate tax. Estates with a will that are valued at less than $75,000 do not have to go through the court system and only require one simple...
Is probate always necessary in Texas?
A last will and testament stands as a critical document in estate planning. When a testator passes away, their will reflects decisions they made while alive regarding who receives what assets, among other directives. Often, carrying out the directions presented in the...
What could you do about possible estate fraud?
Drawing an estate plan allows a testator to write a will that distributes assets in an intended manner. Other estate planning documents, such as a financial power of attorney or a health care proxy, serve other important purposes. Unfortunately, fraud may rear its...
Review your estate plan during divorce
Filing for divorce late in life can present problems that younger Texas couples do not usually have. Individuals in the mid-life stages have often acquired significant wealth that must be not only protected during life but also properly allocated after death. Many...
The pros and cons of joint tenancy in estate planning
If you are planning your Texas estate, there are many ways to achieve this goal. Some people prefer to take care of a portion of their estate planning through joint tenancy, which occurs when two or more parties agree to share ownership of a property. What are the...
The perils of not creating a will
Every year, many people in Texas die without a will. Though the prospect of one's mortality may be depressing, it's still important to make the appropriate plans. Creating a will allows you to decide what you want to happen to your estate once you're gone. That can...
Understanding the basic tools of the estate planning process
Every Texas adult will need to go through the estate planning process. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a one-and-done type of deal. Rather, estate planning is an ongoing process that should be reviewed every three to five years to ensure that it's updated. If...