1-10 of 34 results
Estate Planning: The Importance of Updating Beneficiary Designations
By Aubry Dameron • December 8, 2025Keeping your beneficiary designations up to date is an important part of protecting your estate and making sure your assets go where you want them to. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can make your original designations outdated, and failing to review them can…Special Needs Trusts: What Do I Need To Know?
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • April 30, 2024A Special Needs Trust (SNT) in Texas, like in many other states, is a legal tool designed to provide for the supplemental needs of a person with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Here are 7 key points to consider:…When a Trustee May Not Be Acting in Your Best Interest
By Aubry Dameron • April 28, 2026If you are the beneficiary of a trust and believe the trustee is mishandling assets, delaying distributions, or failing to follow the terms of the trust, you have legal rights to request information, review accountings, and take action to protect your interest in the trust. Understanding Your Role as a…Do I Need a New Will After My Divorce?
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • December 1, 2022One important part of your divorce settlement agreement should be making changes to your will. There are unfortunate consequences if you fail to do this. Drafting a New Will After the Divorce If you have named your spouse in your will as the beneficiary of most of your assets when…Do All Wills Have to Be Probated in Texas?
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • May 17, 2023In Texas, when a person dies and leaves a will, that will must be submitted to the court. However, all wills do not have to be probated. For a will to be admitted to probate, the court must determine a necessity for administration. Only estates with no contests, no real…When Do I Have to Probate a Will in Texas?
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • April 8, 2022When someone dies, probate is the process by which a court oversees the distribution of that person’s assets according to the terms of their will. There are some assets that pass to heirs outside of probate. Many surviving spouses do not realize that probate is necessary to transfer property purchased…Four Dangerous Trends in Estate Planning
By Aubry Dameron • July 13, 2026Estate planning trends in Texas are changing quickly, but not every trend is good for you or your family. Relying on AI for legal advice, using cheap online forms, and failing to update your documents can create major problems that leave your loved ones dealing with confusion, delays, and costly…Can Someone with Disabilities Inherit Money without Losing Government Benefits?
By Aubry Dameron • February 19, 2026You can leave an inheritance to a loved one with a disability without affecting their eligibility for programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The key is planning how the inheritance is received. A direct gift or inheritance may place assets in your loved one’s name and disrupt…How Do I Avoid Probate?
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • June 24, 2024People often express a strong desire for avoiding probate when discussing their own death of the death of a loved one. My first response to them as a Texas attorney is usually something along the lines of “I understand where you’re coming from, but A) Texas probate generally is not…The Importance of Estate Planning After Divorce
By Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison • May 27, 2024Navigating the intricacies of estate planning in the wake of a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially given the emotional toll of the situation. Yet, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to update your estate plan, ensuring the protection of your assets and the fulfillment of your wishes. Here, we will…
