An estate planning attorney turns 40—and gets honest about why we wait. There’s something about a milestone birthday that cuts right through the noise. I turned 40 this week. And while I wasn’t expecting it to feel like much, it gave me a clarity I didn’t see coming—the kind that only shows up when you stop moving fast enough to actually look at your life. I’m an estate planning attorney. I help people protect what they’ve built every single day. And even I had to sit with th

Most people assume that if they die without a will, everything just becomes complicated, uncertain, and left for their family to sort out. But that is not exactly what happens. Texas already has a plan in place. If you die without a will, Texas law does not leave your estate in limbo. Instead, the state applies a legal framework called intestacy law  to decide who inherits, in what order, and under what rules. That plan exists whether you have thought about it or not—and whet

Si has estado posponiendo la planificación patrimonial porque estás atascado con una sola pregunta—“¿Necesito un testamento o un fideicomiso?”—no estás solo. No necesitas tener la respuesta perfecta para empezar. En Texas, tanto los testamentos como los fideicomisos pueden funcionar muy bien. La mejor opción depende menos de términos de moda y más de tu vida—tu familia, tus bienes y cómo quieres que se manejen las cosas si ocurre algo inesperado. Un desglose sencillo: Un test

If you’ve been putting off estate planning because you’re stuck on one question—“Do I need a will or a trust?”—you’re not alone. You don’t need a perfect answer to get started. In Texas, both wills and trusts can work well. The best choice depends less on buzzwords and more on your life—your family, your assets, and how you want things handled if something unexpected happens. A simple breakdown: A will: Names who receives your assets Names guardians for minor children Takes e

Valentine’s Day can be sweet. It can also be brutal. If you’re grieving someone you love, this season can feel like the world is celebrating something you’re missing. Hearts in store aisles. Couple photos. Restaurant specials. Social feeds full of “my person.” And you’re carrying a loss that doesn’t take a day off. If reading this feels like too much right now, you can close this tab. Truly. Love doesn’t end—life just changes shape Grief is not a sign you’re stuck. It’s a sig

Estate planning for LGBTQ+ families in Texas isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protection, clarity, and affirmation. Learn why default laws may fall short, how powers of attorney and guardianship planning matter, and how thoughtful estate planning helps ensure your family, relationships, and wishes are respected when it matters most.

Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only wealthy or older people need. In reality, estate planning in Texas  is a practical, protective step for adults of all ages—especially if you have a spouse or partner, children, a home, financial accounts, or strong preferences about medical care and decision-making. When the unexpected happens without a plan in place, families are often left dealing with uncertainty, court delays, and decisions you would have preferred

The holidays are a time for connection, reflection, and family traditions. They’re also a rare opportunity to have meaningful conversations with loved ones about their wishes for the future. While these topics can feel uncomfortable, asking the right questions now can prevent confusion, conflict, and heartache later. Here are three essential questions to ask your parents this holiday season: 1. What do you want your end of life to look like if you become seriously ill? Why It

Estate planning used to be simple: you met with a lawyer, signed a will, and called it a day. But the world—and the law—have changed. Fast forward to today, and more families are choosing living trusts  instead of traditional wills. Here’s why this modern approach is becoming the gold standard in estate planning. 1. Wills Go Through Probate—Trusts Don’t When you pass away, your will must be filed with the court.  That process, called probate, can take months (sometimes more t

You finally did it—you finished your estate plan! You signed the trust, will, power of attorney, and health care directives. You even popped some champagne afterward (as you should!). But here’s the question almost everyone forgets to ask: Where should I keep these documents so my family can actually find them? Let’s make sure your estate plan is not only complete but also accessible when your loved ones need it most. Step 1: Create an Estate Planning Binder Ask your lawyer f

Most people think life insurance is just about replacing income—a safety net to make sure your family can pay the bills if something happens to you. And yes, that’s part of it. But here’s the real secret: life insurance can be one of the smartest tools in your estate plan . It can create instant wealth for your loved ones and help keep your overall plan running smoothly. When someone passes away, even a well-organized family can face unexpected costs. Final expenses, taxes, l

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly—it’s for everyone who wants to protect the people they love. Here’s why most people put it off, and how to make it easier.

When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and dividing up their belongings—the “who gets what” part. But there’s one crucial document almost everyone forgets—and it has nothing to do with money. It’s called a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates —also known as an Advance Directive  or Living Will —and in Texas, it might be one of the most compassionate documents you can create for yourself and your loved ones. Why an Advance Directi

Planning your estate is complex enough when everything you own is in the United States. But what if you also have a vacation home in Mexico, a bank account in Canada, or an investment property in Spain? Owning assets abroad adds another layer of complexity to your estate plan. While your will or trust  is an essential tool for managing U.S. assets, international assets often require special planning  to ensure they’re properly accounted for and transferred according to your w

You’ve got enough on your plate this time of year—holiday parties and last-minute shopping are right around the corner, and you're still trying to remember where you hid that one gift you bought in April. So really… why on earth would you spend 45 minutes at our End-of-Year Estate Planning Checklist Webinar ? It’s free. It’s helpful. It might actually make your life easier. Gross, right? Let’s be clear: here are eight very good reasons you should not  register. 1. You Love a

The pencils are sharpened, the backpacks are packed, and the scent of freshly printed textbooks fills the air—it’s back-to-school season!...

So, You're Off to College! (And Not Just Packing Ramen) Headed to campus with dreams, dorm gear, and enough snacks to survive finals...

When Jane's mother had a stroke, everything changed overnight. Suddenly, Jane wasn’t just managing hospital visits and medical...

A beach house in Florida. A ski cabin in Colorado. A lakeside retreat in Michigan. Vacation homes are one of life’s great luxuries - a...

With Fourth of July celebrations—barbecues, fireworks, and all the red, white, and blue—behind us, I’ve been thinking about a different...