Estate Planning Archives

Our experienced Dallas probate attorneys specialize in estate planning, helping individuals protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. Whether you need assistance creating a will, establishing trusts, or navigating complex tax considerations, our team is here to guide you through the process. Take control of your future today by scheduling an online consultation with our dedicated attorneys.

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Jan

Can You Transfer of Subsidiary LLCs by your Will or Estate Plan?

January 28, 2026Probate AttorneyEstate Planning

When someone owns an LLC that owns assets, can the person give the LLC-owned assets away via their will or estate plan? While many know that they can give away their LLC interest by will, some may not know that they cannot give away LLC assets. This confusion often comes up as it isn’t aways...

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Jul

Do Subsidiary Bequests Include Parent Entity Ownership of the Same Sub?

July 9, 2025Probate AttorneyEstate Planning, Probate Administration

You own several LLC interests. Some are owned outright. Some are owned by other LLC’s that you own. There are valid reasons for this, from asset protection to estate planning. But then you die. Then the survivors read your will. And guess what? You either forgot to update the will for changes you made when...

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11heir property in Texas partition action

Jun

Executor’s Power to Sell Trumps Partition Action for Heirs’ Property

June 13, 2025Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning, Partition of Property, Probate Administration, Probate Litigation

You might think that receiving an ineritance is easy. How could that be complicated? The maxum that nothing is easy is fitting. When a family member inherits property, they may be inheriting a build-in legal problem. This often happens when property is left to more than one person and one person wants to keep the...

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Sep

Can You Revoke a Joint Lady Bird Deed?

September 25, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Lady Bird Deeds are a popular estate planning tool in Texas that allow property owners to retain a life estate while transferring their property to a designated beneficiary upon death. The key benefit is that they can be revoked if situations or desires change. But what about joint Lady Bird Deeds executed by both spouses? ...

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Apr

Transfer-On-Death Designations in Texas

April 27, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Transfer-On-Death Designations in Texas When it comes to estate planning in Texas, there are many different tools and strategies available. One option that is often overlooked, but can be incredibly useful, is the use of the transfer-on-death (“TOD”) designation. This designation can allow you to name beneficiaries for certain assets, which will then pass to...

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Apr

Estate Planning With Pour-Over Wills in Texas: A Case Study

April 20, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

A pour-over will can be used in situations where privacy is a concern. This is especially true if the pour-over will is combined with a living trust. In this case study, we will explore the probate process of a pour-over will involving real estate owned by the decedent for 66 years. We will discuss the...

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Mar

Do I Need a Comprehensive Estate Plan?

March 30, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

It is said that everyone has an estate plan, some just happen to think through it and write it down. When it comes to managing your wealth and protecting your assets, having a comprehensive estate plan is essential as the default plan usually will not help you achieve your goals. The uncertainties of life, including...

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Mar

Unprobated IRAs: A Texas Probate Law Case Study

March 9, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult and overwhelming time for surviving family members. One of the tasks that often needs to be addressed is the distribution of the decedent’s assets. In Texas, if a person dies with a will, the will must be probated in order for the assets to...

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11Standard of Sound Mind to Execute a Valid Will

Mar

The Importance of Updating a Will

March 2, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Probate law can be a complex and daunting process, especially when it comes to distributing the assets of a deceased person. Having a valid will can make the process of distributing assets in accordance with the decedent’s final wishes easier. However, the addition of a codicil to the will can sometimes complicate probate proceedings. A...

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Jan

Are Life Insurance Proceeds Taxable?

January 26, 2023Probate AttorneyArticles, Estate Planning

Section 101 of the Internal Revenue Code generally provides that life insurance policy proceeds received by a beneficiary after the death of the insured are exempt from federal income tax. However, some important exceptions exist. Additionally, the proceeds may potentially be subject to state probate proceedings depending on the policy terms and beneficiaries. Life Insurance...

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