Most people assume that a will controls where everything goes after death. In Texas, that assumption can be expensive. A surprising number of assets-retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, and even some vehicles-pass directly to a named beneficiary regardless of what your will says. Understanding beneficiary designations and how they interact with the rest […]
Key Takeaways Texas adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), codified in Estates Code Chapter 2001, which governs how executors, trustees, and agents may access email, social media, cryptocurrency, and cloud accounts after someone dies or becomes incapacitated. Every Texan should build a digital asset inventory that catalogs online accounts, devices,
A well-drafted estate plan can quietly become outdated while sitting in a desk drawer. For Texas families, the combination of community property rules, evolving federal tax law, and everyday life changes means that documents created even a few years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes or protect your loved ones the way you
If you own a home in Texas, run a business, or have a family structure that goes beyond the basics, you have likely wondered whether a revocable living trust makes sense for your situation. This guide walks through how a living trust in Texas actually works, what it can and cannot do, and when it
If you have a trust document sitting in a drawer or a safe, you may believe your estate plan is complete. For many Texas families and business owners, though, signing a trust agreement is only half the battle. Until the assets you own are legally transferred into the trust, that legal document may not do
Key Takeaways Texas trustees must follow strict fiduciary duties established by the Texas Trust Code and reinforced by decades of Texas court decisions. Violations of these duties can result in personal liability, court-ordered removal, and financial consequences that extend well beyond the trust estate. A Texas trustee must act with care, loyalty, honesty, and good
When a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated, the person named as trustee suddenly faces a series of legal obligations, financial decisions, and family dynamics that can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the trust administration process under Texas law so trustees can act with confidence and in full compliance with their responsibilities. Key
Key Takeaways Texas trust disputes often involve alleged breach of fiduciary duty, unclear trust documents, or questions about the settlor’s mental capacity, and they are typically handled in Texas probate or district courts under the Texas Trust Code. Both beneficiaries and trustees have rights and obligations under texas law when trust assets are mismanaged or
Many families in Texas face a difficult question when a loved one has a disability: how do you provide financial support without jeopardizing the government benefits that person depends on? A special needs trust is a legal arrangement designed to solve exactly that problem, and understanding how it works is essential for any family navigating
Key Takeaways Texas recently enacted HB 4058 (effective September 1, 2025), creating a framework for self settled trusts with asset protection features, but the law is new and imposes strict requirements. Most Texans still rely on irrevocable trusts, spendthrift provisions, business entities, and sometimes out-of-state trusts for creditor protection. Revocable trusts do not protect assets
