The battle over the estate of notorious murderer Charles Manson (who died in 2017) may soon be finally coming closer to a conclusion. However, it is likely that the hearing (set for later this month) will only get one step closer to finalization. Three people...
There is good news for those who are on Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid and who were disabled between ages 26 and 46. As of January 1, 2025, those who were disabled prior to ae 46 can establish an ABLE account and the funds will...
Guardianship is often needed for an incapacitated person, but it is an expensive legal process which should be avoided if possible. Thus, planning should be considered as an alternative to guardianship. Texas law defines an “incapacitated person” as: 1) a minor; 2) an adult, who...
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has announced in December its 2023 rate increases for certain non-serviced connected disability wartime military veterans, not dishonorably discharged or the surviving spouse of the veteran to help pay for care costs ranging from being housebound to long-term care...
Last month President Biden signed into law the Respect for Marriage Act that achieved bipartisan support. The law gives protection of federal benefits to same-sex legally married couples who move to another state where the laws do not recognize same-sex marriage. For example, if a same-sex...
It is not unusual that the major asset upon death is a person’s home. Whether or not the deceased had a will, it is often desired that probate be avoided. If the deceased dies without a will, the process of determining who are the heirs...
As of January 1, 2023, you can give up to $17,000 per year, per person without reporting to the IRS and without gift taxation. So, for example, if a married couple with three children wanted to give the maximum to each child, then they could...
It is not unusual for married couples to have a will or trust, joint accounts and/or beneficiary designations whereby the spouse is a beneficiary and/or is a fiduciary (i.e., executor, trustee, agent under power of attorney, etc.). However, if the couple divorces, the fiduciary relationship...
It is not unusual that a widow or widower or someone who is elderly meets someone later in life and enjoys their companionship and love or simply enjoys traveling together. Living together without being married use to be considered strictly taboo, but the potential financial...
If you have an IRA, you are required to make a distribution annually once you reach a certain age (if you were 70½ prior to January 1, 2020, then you should already be making required minimum distributions known as “RMDs” – otherwise you could be...
