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...

There’s a major change coming in estate planning, and it’s welcome news for many American families. For years, we’ve been planning for a...

When most people hear the word estate , they picture a sprawling mansion with marble floors and a private vineyard. But in the legal...

When people hear that an estate plan may cost a few thousand dollars, it can cause hesitation. After all, if you’re not “ultra-wealthy,”...

We believe your legacy is about more than just what’s in your bank account. Yes, your financial assets like your home, investments, and...

So, you've taken the big step! You’ve met with an estate planning attorney, signed your will, trust, and other important legal documents,...