A living trust can be a powerful estate planning tool if you’re looking to protect your assets, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth distribution of your property to your loved ones. In this guide, our Texas estate planning lawyers explain a living trust and the steps to set one up. We also discuss … [Read more...]
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Texas?
Creating a will allows you to stipulate how you would like your estate handled when you pass away. A will is a crucial part of end-of-life planning, but despite its importance, many Americans die without a will. In fact, an estimated 60% of people in the U.S. do not have a valid will. This is a … [Read more...]
How Long Does it Take to Set Up a Trust in Texas? A Guide
As an estate planning attorney in Texas, I often get questions about trusts. My client Lesley and I had been emailing for a year about setting up a trust, but life had kept her too busy to proceed. One day, she emailed to say she’d call me that afternoon. “Hey, Chris,” Lesley said. “I needed to … [Read more...]
How to Put Your House in Trust with a Mortgage : Texas Guide
Putting a house with a mortgage into a trust can be a complex but rewarding estate planning strategy. Many homeowners consider this option to safeguard their assets and make it easier to pass their property to their heirs. However, the process can be tricky, especially when there's an existing … [Read more...]
Putting a House in a Trust in Texas: Protecting Your Legacy
As an estate planning attorney in Texas, my clients often ask about trusts. One morning, Harris, a long-time client, called me after years of delay, ready to finally put his estate plan in order. He was curious about whether he should put his house in a trust. In his late 50s, Harris had a nice … [Read more...]
Does a Will Override a Trust? Understanding Legal Priorities
Crafting a comprehensive estate plan involves numerous crucial decisions. One question that often surfaces is, "does a will override a trust?" This inquiry arises because both wills and trusts serve as legal tools for guiding the distribution of assets after one's passing. However, they operate … [Read more...]
How Grandparents Can Use 529 Plans to Support Their Grandchildren’s Education | Warren & Migliaccio
The Cycle Continues Your adult children — one of the first generations to benefit from Section 529 plans — are saving for their kids’ college educations through 529 accounts of their own. Did you know that parents aren’t the only ones who can establish 529 plan accounts? As a grandparent, you can … [Read more...]
How to Create a Power of Attorney: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a future where you might not be able to make decisions for yourself isn't easy. But creating a power of attorney is a crucial step in protecting your interests and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Let's explore how to create a power of attorney, a legal document that can give you peace … [Read more...]
How to Create a Power of Attorney: A Simple Guide
How to create a power of attorney is a common question people have, but it's one they might be a bit sheepish to ask. This legally binding document is sometimes misunderstood, even among the more sophisticated. However, grasping the basics is crucial, whether you’re planning for the future or facing … [Read more...]
Importance of Beneficiary Designations in Estate Planning | Warren & Migliaccio
The Importance of Keeping Beneficiary Designations Updated: A Lesson from the Rolison Estate Case When it comes to estate planning, one of the most overlooked but critically important tasks is ensuring that your beneficiary designations are up to date. A recent case involving Procter & Gamble … [Read more...]
