Blog


Jan

16

2025

image for How Do I Get A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

How Do I Get A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Today, there are many ways you can go about getting a Will. To ensure your Will accomplishes your wishes while also avoiding the greatest expense and complications, you should consult with an experienced estate planning attorney. This is always the best way to draw up a Will. Online and DIY options often come with unexpected risks. You should draw up your Will as soon as possible and revise it whenever you experience certain life events, such as marriage, having a new child, opening a new bank account, or purchasing new property.

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Jan

9

2025

image for Do I Need A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Do I Need A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

While not everyone needs a Will, it's wise to explore whether it would be a smart investment for you and your family's future. A few benefits of drawing up a Will include choosing how your estate will be distributed, selecting a guardian for minor children, and providing for step-children or other beneficiaries. An attorney will explore with you whether the assets you own can be passed down without a Will or whether having a Will is really key to simple passage of title to assets on your death.

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Jan

8

2025

image for How Much Does A Will Cost? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

How Much Does A Will Cost? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

People frequently delay having a will drawn up because of concern for the cost. The cost of preparing an estate plan package is very reasonable. A standard "Mom and Pop" Will without other detailed provisions generally ranges from about $500 to $750 per person. Compared to the expense you would be out to handle your estate without a Will or other estate planning documents, it is a bargain.

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Jan

2

2025

image for What Is A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

What Is A Will? [Estate Planning Q&A Video Series]

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

A Will is a key part of an estate plan to make provisions for who receives the property you own on your death, who will be in charge of distributing the property, and who you would like to serve as guardian and trustee if you have minor beneficiaries. Without a Will, the cost of applying Texas Law of Intestacy will be much higher for your family, and your estate may be distributed in ways that don't align with your wishes.

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Dec

23

2024

image for Worried About A Loved One's Ability To Take Care Of Their Own Affairs?

Worried About A Loved One's Ability To Take Care Of Their Own Affairs?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

The time to seriously review all of a loved one's financial and estate planning affairs is in the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimer's. Progression of the degree of incapacity varies from person to person. A visit to a physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan should be your first priority. A visit to an attorney should be next.

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Dec

17

2024

image for Could A Family Settlement Agreement Help You Avoid A Contested Probate?

Could A Family Settlement Agreement Help You Avoid A Contested Probate?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

When heirs disagree about the terms of a Will, they may choose to contest it. This is an expensive and stressful process. Fortunately, a family settlement agreement allows you to avoid the contested probate process if all beneficiaries agree with how the estate should be distributed. The process is quicker, simpler, and more affordable than contesting a Will.

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Dec

11

2024

image for Starting A Business? Find Out Which Entity Type Is Best For You

Starting A Business? Find Out Which Entity Type Is Best For You

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

If you are considering starting a small business, you're most likely trying to sort out the different types of businesses and trying to decide which type is best for you. There are 6 entity types in Texas: sole proprietorships, corporations, s-corporations, limited liability companies, professional corporations, and partnerships. The right type for your situation will depend on your taxes, liability, and ability to control the profits and losses of the business.

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Dec

3

2024

image for The Difference Between Statutory Transfer On Death Deed & Lady Bird Deed

The Difference Between Statutory Transfer On Death Deed & Lady Bird Deed

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Two terms are used in the state of Texas to describe a deed that automatically transfers title to real estate you own on your death a transfer on death deed and a Lady Bird Deed. The distinction between these two deeds is subtle, but very important. A transfer on death deed requires all beneficiaries to agree to changes made to your estate, even while you're still alive. A Lady Bird Deed gives you the freedom to make changes without the beneficiaries consent. However, it must be drawn up in a specific way to be considered valid in the state of Texas.

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Nov

28

2024

image for Holiday Travel: Why Parents Of Young Children Need Wills

Holiday Travel: Why Parents Of Young Children Need Wills

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Most young parents don't want to even think about the possibility of death and see no need for estate planning. However, if a tragedy struck and both parents of minor children were killed, the situation left for their loved ones to deal with is extremely complicated, expensive, and emotional.

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Nov

19

2024

image for Probate Process In Texas Is Not That Scary: The 6 Steps Of Texas Probate

Probate Process In Texas Is Not That Scary: The 6 Steps Of Texas Probate

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

The thought of having to do a probate for a deceased loved one is often scary. Although the legal process can appear complicated, an experienced probate attorney can comfortably guide you through the process. There are 6 steps you will need to follow, including filing the Will, attending a hearing, sending a notice to creditors, and distributing your loved one's Assets according to the terms of the Will.

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