The answer to the question “should I set up a trust instead of a Will?” often arises when people contact me for estate planning purposes. My answer to that question is one often uttered and not often deemed helpful by the recipient, and that answer is “it depends.” When people…
People 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…
When it comes to planning for the future, creating a Will or a living trust is a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are carried out after you’re gone. But simply creating an estate plan (whether a Will or a trust) isn’t enough. Life is constantly changing, and as such,…
An irrevocable trust is what it sounds like: irrevocable. One way this type of trust is commonly used is for a parent to set up a trust for their children. The trust has creditor protection and tax benefits. But, when things change through the years, the trust does not. The…
As part of your estate planning, your attorney may suggest you create a trust. There are different types of trusts and one or more may appeal to you as the best method for passing on your assets to your heirs upon your death. Although trusts have traditionally been used to…
A case about undue influence that is still talked about in Texas and around the country, began in Houston in 1994 when Vickie Lynn Marshall, known to the public as Anna Nicole Smith, age 26, married Texas billionaire, J. Howard Marshall, age 89. Just 14 months later, the billionaire died. And to…
Trusts are generally written legal documents in which people transfer ownership of their property to others, either while the owners are still living or after their death. There are times when the conduct of the parties is different than the wording of a trust document, or there is no document….
Those who are named personal representative of an estate, such as an executor, administrator, or guardian, have a fiduciary duty to the estate. This means personal representatives of an estate must always act in the best interest of the estate. Whether you are an executor who wants advice on how to fulfill…
A Revocable Living Trust is an estate planning instrument created by you during your lifetime and is effective in connection with any real or personal property that you place into the trust. Until such time as it’s funded with assets, it’s just a nullity. When you create the Revocable Living…
SPRINGER & LYLE, LLP
1807 Westminster
Denton, TX 76205
phone: 940.387.0404
toll-free: 855.387.0404
fax: 940.383.7656
