2023-03-24 20:52
Texas residents often include trusts in their estate plans to avoid the probate process and ensure that their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes after they pass away, but… Read More
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Dallas Estate Planning Law Blog | The Livens Law F Blog
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Our Dallas County, Texas blog deals with Estate Administration and Planning and related issues. Please share your comments with The Livens Law Firm.
2023-03-16 20:24
Writing a will is a crucial step in planning for the future, yet many people, particularly single people, overlook this important task. Many single people in Texas assume that they don't nee… Read More
2023-02-21 02:21
If you have an elderly parent moving into a nursing home in Texas, Medicaid planning may be the best option to cover care costs. However, Medicaid planning can be a complex process. The righ… Read More
2023-02-13 21:52
Choosing an executor for your will is an important decision that requires careful consideration. An executor is responsible for managing your estate after your death.
Trustworthiness
The m… Read More
2023-01-20 05:51
As you age, planning for the possibility of needing long-term care in Texas is an integral part of your financial strategy. In addition, Medicaid planning is critical in managing your estate… Read More
2023-01-16 06:41
The concept of retirement has drastically changed over the past decade. The increasing life expectancy means savings alone can't ensure a comfortable retirement. Retirees need to be smart an… Read More
2022-12-22 05:14
A life insurance policy could provide a way for beneficiaries to pay for many expenses after someone passes away. The claim may address taxes or cover other debts left when the policyholder… Read More
2022-12-12 22:33
When someone dies, their estate goes through a process called probate. This is a legal process that determines who gets to inherit the deceased person's property. However, there are situatio… Read More
2022-11-16 03:41
Estate planning is generally a pretty straightforward process: You decide who gets your assets when you die and then take the necessary steps to make sure that those assets get transferred a… Read More
2022-11-10 04:03
While it's not the most exciting conversation to have, talking about estate planning with your family is important. Besides ensuring that your wishes are carried out, estate planning can als… Read More
2022-10-13 03:28
Devising documents related to estate planning represents an important step for those concerned about family members and beneficiaries. Effective estate planning could eliminate many troubles… Read More
2022-10-06 18:07
An executor under a Texas decedent's will may have to go through more than one probate process. Ancillary probate occurs when the deceased owns real estate or tangible property in more than… Read More
2022-09-15 00:11
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person, called a trustee, holds property for the benefit of another person, called a beneficiary. A spendthrift trust is a special type of trust t… Read More
2022-09-08 22:46
Estate planning is an important way to make sure that your wishes are honored after you pass away, and your loved ones are taken care of. In Texas, wills and trusts are two estate planning t… Read More
2022-08-16 00:20
Medicaid can be a powerful tool for seniors residing in Texas and elsewhere. The program can help pay medical and nursing care costs, which can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars per y… Read More
2022-08-08 20:23
A blended family is a family where the parents have children from previous relationships. When it comes to estate planning, there are a few things that you need to do if you have a blended f… Read More
2022-08-03 17:18
Texas has neither an estate tax nor an inheritance tax. However, this does not mean that there are no taxes associated with administering an estate. In this blog post, we will give a quick i… Read More
2022-07-07 15:00
At first, learning that you’ve received or are about to receive a large inheritance from an estate probably sounds too good to be true. You may feel happy and relieved about not worryi… Read More
2022-07-05 15:29
Often on this blog, we say that estate planning is important, regardless of one’s age. However, one group has an acute need to plan as soon as possible: parents.
Can I just put it off… Read More
2022-06-24 14:14
Texans who are concerned about health care costs should understand the options available to them. Depending on their financial situation, there are programs that can provide them with the ne… Read More
2022-06-17 17:04
For Texans, hard work and family go hand in hand. Residents of the Lone Star State understand and take seriously the need to build a career and care for their loved ones. Part of that is ens… Read More
2022-06-08 16:58
When Texas residents decide that it is finally time for them to sit down and get an estate plan together, they usually have some common goals. Those goals can include making sure that the es… Read More
2022-05-31 13:38
A will represents the intent and last wishes of a deceased person. the deceased met the legal requirements, most state laws offer limited options for a person to challenge, or contest, its t… Read More
2022-05-24 13:35
With all the talk lately about the Me Generation versus Millennials, one thing that both generations seem to agree on more and more is the need to plan their estates. This is not entirely su… Read More
2022-05-17 20:21
Everyone has been told at some point to “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” The universal adage applies to the formation of a will. Many people do not want to t… Read More
2022-05-03 14:21
Many residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area may find themselves in a bind as they get older and face the reality that they will require long-term care in a nursing home or other assisted li… Read More
2022-04-22 06:46
New parents have a lot on their plate. They are working to establish their careers while also starting a family. It is easy for many goals to be put on the backburner while you focus on work… Read More
2022-04-14 13:42
Losing a family member or loved one is difficult and having to deal with complicated legal issues at the same time can be overwhelming. The assets of Texas residents who die without a will o… Read More
2022-04-05 06:14
Everyone in the Dallas/Forth Worth area has unique lives and when they go through the estate planning process, they need to develop their estate plan based on the unique aspects of their liv… Read More
2022-03-22 19:58
Estate planning is a constantly evolving process, as family and individual needs change over time. No matter how well individuals may plan, there are events or health concerns that may arise… Read More
2022-03-17 08:41
Getting remarried is a joyous event. While one may have thought they would only get married once, uniting with another through marriage is a major life event. Although some of the same conce… Read More
2022-03-09 13:38
An advance healthcare directive can be included as part of an estate plan to help an estate planner prepare for end-of-life decision making. It is can important part of the estate planner pr… Read More
2022-02-28 20:09
If you are creating your estate plan, there are multiple tools you can use to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. One of the tools available… Read More
2022-02-23 12:34
Estate planning can be a complex area of law, leaving you to consider many different options which you may or not need. But one area that can be beneficial to virtually everyone is that of a… Read More
2022-02-16 14:55
When a person has collected a significant number of assets, it becomes especially important for them to create a will that specifies which assets go to which beneficiaries when they pass awa… Read More
2022-02-09 12:09
An executor plays an important role in an estate plan. For that reason, estate planners should look for desirable characteristics in an executor and know what those are. Understanding the ch… Read More
2022-02-01 10:12
After the death of a family member, surviving relatives are likely experiencing grief and possibly shock, and it can seem like a huge burden to then have to go through the probate process an… Read More
2022-01-25 22:25
One of the few guarantees for people living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is that they will pass away at some point in time. When people do pass away they leave behind everything that they h… Read More
2022-01-20 11:22
It is not uncommon for a Texas resident to be married to someone who is from another country and is not a citizen. Non-citizens who are permanent U.S. residents are referred to as resident a… Read More
2022-01-17 11:35
Many Texans think that carrying out the terms of a will is a simple and straightforward matter. That preconception is true most of the time, but occasionally, the business of locating heirs… Read More
2022-01-06 16:37
Although it may seem simple and straightforward on its face, there are actually a lot of moving parts to estate planning. Neglecting any one of them could lead to unintended and unwanted out… Read More
2022-01-06 10:41
For readers of our blog, they know that estate planning has may facets. It is not just one document or one goal. It is a multiprong plan for one’s life, end-of-life and post-life wishe… Read More
2021-12-30 11:27
One of the primary reasons a person creates an estate plan is to support the people or causes that are important to him or her. He or she may want to consider creating a charitable trust to… Read More
2021-12-17 09:16
Most of us are aware that creating an estate plan as soon as possible is important to ensure that all matters relating to your estate are properly handled when you pass away. Your estate pla… Read More
2021-12-14 07:37
Probate can be a lengthy, stressful, and costly procedure for transferring property to a decedent’s heirs. A small estate affidavit can be a more affordable and easier method to transf… Read More
2021-11-23 21:34
When a loved one can no longer care for themselves physically or mentally, they may be considered legally incapacitated. This generally means that they are unable to care of themselves, and… Read More
2021-11-23 21:30
Healthcare can be expensive and has caused many people to forego the medical attention they desperately need. Fortunately, Texas Medicaid is an option for many lower income Texas residents… Read More
2021-11-23 21:20
Many Texas residents have accumulated wealth and assets that they plan to leave to their children or other beneficiaries when they pass away. When it comes to making sure that your beneficia… Read More
2021-11-23 21:16
As we get older, we are more likely to develop health conditions that affect our physical and mental capabilities. An adult who develops dementia or another form of cognitive impairment is o… Read More
2021-11-19 11:21
The major advances in technology over the last decade or two have made life easier and connected us in many ways. Unfortunately, these advances have also led to an increase in consumer scams… Read More
2021-11-19 11:20
Most people are familiar with Medicaid, a government administered program that provides health care benefits to qualifying individuals. In Texas, there are 5 different types of available Med… Read More
2021-11-19 11:19
Sometimes when a family member or loved one with a will passes away, a copy of the will is unable to be located. This is likely to cause confusion and panic; however, rest assured that there… Read More
2021-11-19 11:17
Texas parents often want all or most of an inheritance to go to their children after they pass away, to ensure their children’s financial needs are met and decrease the chances of thei… Read More
2021-11-19 11:02
When a person passes away, his or her executor is required to complete an inventory of their assets. Several years ago, this may have been more straightforward because there were fewer digit… Read More
2021-11-19 11:01
As their parents age, many adult children know that they should discuss estate planning with them. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to start the conversation.
It’s… Read More
2021-11-19 11:00
When a person chooses a personal representative for his or her estate or someone to act for him or her under a power of attorney, that representative has a fiduciary duty. A fiduciary duty m… Read More
2021-11-19 10:59
After a lifetime of hard work, it makes sense that many people want to leave an inheritance to their children. It’s likely that they also want to ensure that the money is used responsi… Read More
2021-11-17 22:13
The executor of an estate has many important roles. One of the executor’s primary responsibilities is to notify the beneficiaries that they are named in the will.
It’s helpful… Read More
2021-11-17 22:09
If a person passes away without a will, it may cause the distribution of their estate to be more complicated.
In Texas, any property that the deceased person owned as well as their debts… Read More
2021-11-17 22:07
Many individuals in Texas qualify for Medicaid, which is a government program that provides health care coverage for low-income recipients. When the state determines a person’s eligibi… Read More
2021-11-17 22:03
With wise investment choices, consistent contributions and time, an individual retirement account (IRA) can grow into a sizeable asset. When a person creates an estate plan, he or she can ch… Read More
2021-11-17 22:01
Working with family members can have a lot of benefits. There is a specific type of business structure available to families that can help them with their business and with estate planning… Read More
2021-11-17 21:54
Most people know that they need to purchase various types of insurance, including coverage for their car, home and health. They may not have considered the need for long-term care insurance… Read More
2021-06-18 06:44
A power of attorney can be an effective estate planning tool. This document allows a person, called the principal, to designate another person, called an agent, to make financial decisions f… Read More
2021-06-15 09:13
This Texas estate planning and administration law blog has offered its readers many posts about the benefits of timely estate planning. However, an estate plan is only as good as the documen… Read More
2021-06-08 06:51
It is a joy and privilege for some Dallas residents to have the financial ability to support their favorite causes. Many nonprofit organizations depend on donations and charitable giving to… Read More
2021-05-27 09:55
Estate planning is an important legal process that can benefit all Texas residents. From those of modest means to those of extreme wealth, any qualified adult who wishes to have control over… Read More
2021-05-25 21:29
Courts may declare a will invalid if they find it was made under undue influence. This issue comes up in very difficult will contests involving accusations that someone manipulated the… Read More
2021-05-19 05:00
Estate planning is about much more than just deciding who will inherit your assets. It’s about providing protection for your family and loved ones while still allowing you to retain so… Read More
2021-05-13 05:40
Musician Prince, whose recorded songs such as “Purple Rain” and “Let’s Go Crazy,” was loved by many in Texas and across the U.S. Following his untimely death at… Read More
2021-05-04 06:15
Probate is the legal process that begins when a person, called the decedent, passes away. Probate administration resolves any debt and taxes on the estate, and where directed, distributes de… Read More
2021-04-27 07:23
Were you expecting an inheritance from a loved one but later found out that you were cut out of his or her will? If so, then we know that you’re dealing with a lot of emotions right no… Read More
2021-04-19 06:51
A special needs trust is created for a person who has a physical or mental disability and lacks the capacity to manage their finances. The person who manages the trust is called the trustee… Read More
2021-04-15 05:45
Becoming a new parent is an exciting time, and in some ways a scary time. Once the baby is born, new parents in Texas are immersed in late night feedings, routine appointments with the pedia… Read More
2021-04-06 08:36
Reaping the benefits of an inheritance is not a sure thing. Receiving the proceeds or assets of an estate requires preparation. There are several ways to help your children plan so they have… Read More
2021-03-30 16:51
Many Dallas area residents understand the importance of estate planning and have had a will created. The will is full of valuable information that their heirs will need upon their deat… Read More
2021-03-24 06:02
When creating a will, individuals in Texas and elsewhere will consider all the details that will go into the document. Specifically, his or her wishes when it comes to their property and who… Read More
2021-03-16 11:33
Estate planning is a good way for a Texas resident to take control of how and to whom their end-of-life estate is distributed. Through their estate plan, a person can decide which loved ones… Read More
2021-03-08 07:14
Estate planning can oftentimes seem like a mysterious process to Texas residents. After all, for starters, most people equate estate planning with death, which can obviously be uncomfortable… Read More
2021-03-02 07:35
There are many things to consider when planning an estate. Along with basic estate planning documents such as a will, a power of attorney and advanced directives, estate planners in Texas wi… Read More
2021-02-25 05:16
Baby Boomers are nearing or at retirement, and many are starting to think about what they want to happen to their assets after they pass. For this reason, many in the Fort Worth area, includ… Read More
2021-02-18 10:08
Families in Texas come in all shapes and sizes these days. It is not unusual for a person with children from a previous relationship to remarry. Other times, a person has no children but is… Read More
2021-02-11 05:10
Many couples in Texas choose to live together without going through a formal wedding. Some of these couples even choose to have children. These relationships often last for many years and do… Read More
2021-02-05 05:26
Intestate succession is the set of laws that explain what happens to a person’s estate when they die without a will or other testamentary plan. In Texas, as in other jurisdictions arou… Read More
2021-02-01 05:51
Estate planning is not only for the wealthy or elderly. Even young adults in Bedford can benefit from having an estate plan. After all, no one can anticipate when they will pass away and eve… Read More
2021-01-23 06:25
As hard as it is to imagine, there may come a day when we are no longer physically or mentally able to make decisions for ourselves. This inability to make decisions may last for a short per… Read More
2021-01-19 07:01
Losing a loved one in the Fort Worth area is never easy. Unfortunately losing loved ones is also inevitable and something that people will have to go through at some point in time. Knowing t… Read More
2021-01-12 07:03
A will may be essential for assuring that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes and that a guardian cares for minor children. Selecting or changing an executor is an imp… Read More
2021-01-05 07:50
The 4.7 million Americans who moved to a different state in 2019 had to get a new driver’s license, update their address, and find a new doctor. Anyone moving into Texas or making anot… Read More
2020-12-23 07:28
If you have a loved one with extensive medical needs, then your might be worried about their future after your gone. As we’ve discussed previously on the blog, a special needs trust mi… Read More
2020-12-16 07:07
A lot of people put off estate planning. There’s no universal reason for doing so. Some people are scared to think about their own mortality, while others simply don’t see a need… Read More
2020-12-10 17:22
You may have a comprehensive estate plan in place detailing your end-of-life wishes and who you want to inherit your assets upon your death, but have you taken the step of discussing these p… Read More
2020-11-30 05:49
Estate planning is an important process for everyone, but it can be a more pressing matter for those who are getting older. With that in mind, you might have found your way to our blog becau… Read More
2020-11-26 05:26
Generally, states have very similar laws regarding wills and trusts creation and requirements.
A will is a document that legally binds a person’s property to be distributed accordin… Read More
2020-11-16 06:11
Many Texas residents have heard of wills, but are unfamiliar with revocable living trusts. Revocable living trusts allow you to have a say in how your property will be handled while you are… Read More
2020-11-10 06:20
Planning your estate ensures your assets and possessions will be distributed according to your wishes. Furthermore, it lightens the burden on grieving family members caught up in funeral pla… Read More
2020-10-27 16:19
Seniors who find themselves or a loved one needing costly medical procedures or a move to a nursing home fear they will deplete their estate assets to pay the bills. And they realize the hig… Read More
2020-10-22 08:31
After one sits down with an attorney to finally craft their estate plan, it can be an incredibly uplifting moment because they know their loved ones will be taken care of after they pass. Af… Read More
2020-10-16 09:44
We may work a lifetime so that we have an inheritance to pass on to our children and grandchildren. However, most people in Texas do not want to see a young adult squander a large inheritanc… Read More
2020-10-08 19:02
Community property is a system of property ownership that is recognized in Texas. It purports that when married people acquire wealth or property, each member of the marriage owns half of th… Read More
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