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You are here: Home / Archives for Estate Planning

Spendthrift Trust in Texas: How It Works and Who It Protects

March 26, 2026
By Christopher Migliaccio

White leather trust document on a marble desk highlighting a Texas spendthrift trust..

A Texas spendthrift trust lets a trustee manage and distribute assets for a beneficiary while generally keeping the beneficiary from transferring the interest and generally keeping most creditors from reaching trust assets before distribution, subject to exceptions under Texas and federal law. Tex. … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning

Legal Guardian vs Power of Attorney in Texas Explained

December 2, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Mature lawyer having conversation in the court room

Wondering what “legal guardian vs power of attorney in Texas” really means? A power of attorney in Texas is a private legal document. In it, a capable adult chooses an agent (attorney-in-fact) to handle financial or medical decisions. Meanwhile, a legal guardian is very different. It is a … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Durable power of attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, legal guardianship, power of attorney

Should I Put My Home in a Trust in Texas? Pros, Cons & Your Next Steps

November 23, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Protect your house in trust

If you own a home in Texas and are asking, “should I put my home in a trust in Texas?”, you are really asking two things: will a trust make life easier for my family, and do I need a Texas living trust attorney to set it up correctly? In many cases, a revocable living trust can keep your homestead … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning, estate planning attorney, estate planning attorney texas, estate planning lawyer, Estate Planning Tag

Types of Property Deeds in Texas

November 10, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

A scale house on some forms for a deed to conceptualize on the financial investment.

Quick Answer: Texas has several types of property deeds. The most common are general warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, and transfer on death deeds. General warranty deeds give full protection to the buyer. Special warranty deeds give limited protection. Transfer on death deeds let property go … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning attorney texas, Estate Planning Tag, property deeds, Real estate planning, revocable living trust, transfer on death deeds

How to Avoid Medicaid Estate Recovery in Texas

October 9, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program document and calculator showing how to avoid medicaid estate recovery in texas

When a loved one needs long-term care through Medicaid, many Texas families wonder what will happen to their home and other assets after they pass away. The Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) allows the state to recover costs from a deceased person’s estate for Medicaid-covered long-term … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Asset Protection Tips, Estate Recovery Prevention, Medicaid Estate Planning, Texas Elder Law Strategies, Texas Medicaid Laws

Does POA End at Death in Texas?

September 2, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Power of attorney text concept isolated over white background

In Texas, every power of attorney—durable, general, medical, or springing—ends the instant the principal dies. Under Estates Code §751.131, an agent’s authority stops at death; afterward, only a court-appointed executor or administrator with Letters may handle the estate. What this means for … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Durable power of attorney, estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, power of attorney

At What Net Worth Do I Need a Trust in Texas?

August 15, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Real estate agent hands over piggy bank for protection and care. Property insurance concept. New home purchase. A loan deal for real estate, A loan agreement for real estate

There is no fixed net worth required to create a trust in Texas. Families often establish one for privacy, blended families, special-needs heirs, or out-of-state property, and higher-value estates use trusts to save probate costs and preserve federal tax exemptions. Quick Answer: At What … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning

How To Get Power Of Attorney For Elderly Parent: Complete 2025 Legal Guide in Texas

August 8, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Beauty middle aged lady teaching her mom to use computer, pay domestic bills together online, filling in health insurance, loan, receiving pension on bank account

In Texas, you secure power of attorney for an elderly parent by having them, while still mentally competent, sign the state’s durable and medical POA forms before a notary (plus two witnesses for medical), then distribute certified copies to agents, banks, and healthcare providers. Quick … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning

Power of Attorney vs Durable Power of Attorney in Texas

July 23, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Power of Attorney. text on wood table, on white paper

Confused about the power of attorney vs durable power of attorney? In Texas, a Durable Power of Attorney stays effective if the principal becomes incapacitated, while a regular (general) Power of Attorney ends the moment incapacity is confirmed. Both must be signed before a notary, but only the … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Durable power of attorney, Estate Planning Tag, family law attorney, power of attorney

Can a POA Change a Will in Texas?

July 21, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

power of attorney document with silver fountain pen

Quick Answer: Can a Power of Attorney change a will in Texas? Under Texas law (2025), a Power of Attorney cannot modify or revoke a will; only the testator can validly change their will through proper execution of a new will or codicil. Work with an estate planning attorney to draft and … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, revocable living trust, Texas estate planning

Does the Executor of a Will Get Paid in Texas?

July 14, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Young male lawyer, old man and his granddaughter in testament co

Does the executor of a will get paid in Texas? Yes. The payment an executor receives is commonly referred to as an executor fee or executor's compensation under Texas law. Texas law entitles an executor to up to 5 % of the cash they actually receive or pay out while administering the estate—but … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will

Per Stirpes Versus Per Capita: How to Choose the Right Distribution Method for Your Estate Plan

July 7, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Happy asian family young couple love hand holding piggy bank to save and model house for saving money to buy real estate for new home. Business finance, deposit with banking for financial planning.

As an experienced estate planning attorney here in Texas, I know clients aren’t always aware of the complexities involved in making a plan—and they often struggle with the legal language. So I’m always happy when they take the initiative and ask the right questions, like Jimmy did when his son was … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, revocable living trust

Can Medicaid Take Your Home in Texas?

July 2, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

MEDICAID text on a keyboard with stethoscope , medical concept

Picture this: After years of paying off your mortgage and filling your house with memories, you suddenly need nursing home care. Then you hear rumors that the state might take your home to pay for that care. Is that actually possible in Texas? Medicaid Estate Recovery Programs are mandatory in all … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, Medicaid and health care, Real estate planning

How to Transfer Ownership of an LLC to a Trust

June 16, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Limited Liability Company (LLC) Business Concept, Person hand using computer and hand touching limited liability company icon on Vr screen.

Business owners wonder, "how to transfer ownership of an LLC to a trust"? As a Texas estate planning attorney, I’ve helped many such business owners protect their assets and simplify their estate plans by transferring LLC ownership to trusts. This has become a popular move among my clients who want … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning lawyer, Estate Planning Tag, revocable living trust

Joint Will Texas: Essential Estate Planning Guide for Married Couples

June 13, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

couple doing estate planning

When Sarah lost her husband in Houston last year, she learned that their joint will caused unexpected problems. It stopped her from selling their home to pay for medical bills. This story shows why Texas estate planning attorneys often advise against joint wills. Top Insights for This … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Divorce & Your Children, last will, revocable living trust

Will and Trust Attorney Near Me: Securing Your Legacy – A Comprehensive Guide in Texas

June 6, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Estate Planning Wills Trusts Attorney Protect Assets Wealth Strategy 3d Illustration

Introduction When I hear from families about estate planning here in Texas, I often hear the same worry: “We know we need to do something about our estate planning, but we don’t know where to begin.” I’ve had this conversation many times at Warren & Migliaccio. The one I just had with Paul … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Estate Planning Tag, revocable living trust

Essential Will Signing Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

May 12, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

will signing by the elderly couple

Figuring out how to sign your will the right way might seem intimidating, but it is one of the most important steps you can take. You are not just signing a piece of paper—you are protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are clear. A will must be valid in the state where it was created, and … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, revocable living trust

Understanding Lady Bird Deed Medicaid Benefits in Texas: Protect Your Home and Assets

April 14, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

MEDICAID text on a keyboard with stethoscope , medical concept

Can a lady bird deed Medicaid help protect your home from Medicaid Estate Recovery? Yes, it can. This article explains how a lady bird deed Medicaid, also called an enhanced life estate deed, lets you keep your home while staying eligible for Medicaid in Texas. You’ll learn about its main benefits, … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Estate Planning Tag, lady bird deed medicaid

The Ultimate Guide to a Texas Will Based Estate Plan: Simplify Your Future

April 9, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Vintage / retro style with a long shadow : Fountain pen, a pocket watch on a last will and testament. A form is printed on a mulberry paper and waiting to be filled and signed by testator / testatrix.

A will-based estate plan uses a will to handle your assets and final wishes after you pass away. This article explains what it includes, its advantages, its drawbacks, and how it compares with other estate planning tools.  Key Points A will based estate plan … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Estate Planning Tag, irrevocable trust, last will, revocable living trust, trust

Top Benefits of a Trust Based Estate Plan You Need to Know

April 7, 2025
By Christopher Migliaccio

Notepad, flower vase, spectacle, storage card, magnifying glass and words ESTATE PLAN on wooden paper wall. Business and education concept.

A trust-based estate plan is a smart way to manage your assets during your life and make sure they go to the right people after you pass away. It includes different types of trusts, like a revocable living trust and an irrevocable trust, each with its own purpose. These trusts help you avoid … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Estate Planning Tag, irrevocable trust, last will, revocable living trust

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Christopher Migliaccio, attorney in Dallas, Texas
About the Author

Christopher Migliaccio is Co-Founding Partner and Managing Partner of Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P., where along with Gary Warren he leads a team of attorneys serving Texas families since 2006. A graduate of Thomas M. Cooley School of Law with a B.A. in Accountancy, he oversees the firm's practice areas including debt defense, bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, and estate planning.

Licensed by the State Bar of Texas (#24053059 ✓), Christopher and his team serve clients statewide for debt defense and estate planning matters, while focusing on North Texas families for bankruptcy and family law cases. His unique financial background and nearly two decades of leadership enable him to ensure each client receives compassionate, strategic guidance.

If you have questions about this article, contact Christopher Migliaccio to discuss your situation.

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