I met with a client from Georgetown last week who looked absolutely exhausted. When I asked how she was doing, the floodgates opened. She’d been caring for her 84-year-old mother with Parkinson’s for the past three years while also working part-time and raising teenagers. “I feel like I’m drowning,” she admitted. “I love my mom, […]
Elder Law Guidance: 9 Smart Strategies to Make Caregiving Easier Read More »
I met with a client last week—a wonderful woman in her early 70s from Round Rock. As we finished reviewing her estate plan, she said something that caught me by surprise: “You know, I never expected to be this happy at my age. Everyone talks about ‘the golden years’ like they’re being sarcastic, but I’m
The Surprising Truth About Aging: Why Your Best Years May Still Be Ahead Read More »
Let’s Clear Up the Myths Look, I hear this all the time from folks who walk into my office. “Tom, if I put my house in a trust, doesn’t that mean I’m giving up control?” They’ve got this worried look on their face, like they’re about to hand over the keys to a stranger. And
Does Putting Your House in a Trust Mean Losing Control? Read More »
Last month, I sat across from a couple in my Cedar Park office who had recently completed their IVF journey. They had a healthy baby girl and still had several embryos in storage. When I asked about their plans for those embryos if something happened to either of them, they exchanged worried glances. “We never
Cognitive decline affects nearly 1 in 9 Texans over 65, and without early planning, families can face costly guardianship battles, financial exploitation, and gaps in care. In our latest article, attorney Thomas Fortenberry shares the warning signs of dementia and memory loss, how to talk with doctors, and the legal tools every family should have in place — from powers of attorney to advance directives. The key takeaway? Acting early preserves your loved one’s dignity, independence, and choices while reducing stress for the entire family. Read the full guide to learn how elder law planning can protect your family’s future.
Navigating Cognitive Decline: A Legal Guide to Supporting Your Aging Loved Ones Read More »
Ever heard of “heirs’ property”? It’s what happens when land passes down through generations without proper documentation. Instead of a clean transfer, you end up with a legal mess that can tear families apart and jeopardize valuable assets. The Ticking Time Bomb of Shared Ownership When someone dies without a will or clear deed, their
Heirs’ Property: Why Your Estate Plan Can’t Wait Read More »
As a busy Texas business owner, I know what it’s like to watch the sunrise from behind a computer screen, with breakfast being the last thing on your mind. Between checking emails, preparing for meetings, and managing a busy household, the morning rush can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that you could
5-Minute High-Protein Microwave Breakfast Bowl Read More »
Estimated Read Time: 7-10 Minutes Key Takeaways from this article: Nearly 70% of Texas business owners are operating without an updated estate plan, putting both their personal and business assets at significant risk. A robust estate plan for business owners requires four core documents: a Last Will and Testament, a Living Trust (either revocable or
The Ultimate Estate Planning Guide for Texas Business Owners Read More »
When the Texas legislature introduced Transfer on Death Deeds (TODD) in 2015 through Texas Estates Code Chapter 114, many homeowners saw them as simple solutions. Similar to adding a beneficiary to your bank account, TODDs let you name someone to receive your property after death. But here’s what many Texas families don’t realize: Transfer on Death
The Hidden Trap in Transfer on Death Deeds Read More »
When a loved one passes away, family members often face not only emotional challenges but also complex financial questions. I’ve noticed one question comes up repeatedly: “Do I have to use life insurance money to pay the deceased person’s debts?” This concern is completely understandable. After all, life insurance is often purchased specifically to provide
Life Insurance and Estate Debts: What Beneficiaries Need to Know Read More »
