Client, whose husband died relatively recently, is concerned about the potential negative tax impact of the recently passed Tax Cut and Jobs Act (hereinafter the “Tax Act”). Client has 2 pieces of real estate (her home and a property in which her daughter live). The...
Last Monday we were requested to do a Will for an 89-year-old married woman who was just put on hospice. Due to her being on hospice, we put her as an immediate priority. Her 90-year-old husband has Alzheimer’s disease and is living in an institutional...
Online notarization, whereby a notarial act is performed by means of two-way video and audio conference that meets standards for credential analysis and identity proofing as well as standards for equipment, security and certain technology, will be permitted in Texas as of July 1, 2018....
Many are under the mistaken impression that only the wealthy need trusts and that it is never needed in Texas since the probate process (the court process confirming the Will is valid) is simple in Texas compared to many other states. Although what is best for the individual may vary,...
Effective September 1, 2017, the “transfer of assets divisor” in Texas increased to $172.65 per day from $162.41. The increased figure applies to long-term care Medicaid applications in Texas submitted on or after September 1, 2017. When an individual needs long-term care (such as nursing...
Although details of President Trump based on prior statements tax proposals have not yet been released and this is mere speculation, here are a few of the anticipated tax reform proposals: For individuals: Double the standard deduction; Eliminate itemization deductions (other than contributions to retirement savings,...
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (the names have been changed for confidentiality reasons) had the unusual situation where both of them had to go into a nursing home at approximately the same time. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Smith has long-term care insurance. Both could live a...
Although most Texas homes are a non-countable resource (if equity is under $603,000 as of January 1, 2021 if you are single, unlimited if you are married for Medicaid applicants) for long-term care Medicaid eligibility purposes, the state usually has a right to make a claim against the Medicaid recipient’s estate after...
Many are surprised that financial powers of attorney do not have to be recognized by others including banks and other financial institutions. If the principal (the one who signs the power of attorney) becomes incompetent and the one who is presented with and asked to...
As of September 1, 2017, it will be easier in Texas to transfer the title of motor vehicles on an owner’s death. Similar to the Transfer on Death Deed law passed in the state legislative session two years ago whereby real estate can be transferred...
