Texas is the only state in the nation to have been under six separate flags. The flag of Spain was the first to fly over Texas from 1519 to 1821, when the Spanish explorers came to Texas. The French concurrently flew their flag over Texas from 1685 until 1690 starting with the French explorer Robert La Salle. The flag of Mexico flew over Texas beginning in 1821 when Mexico gained independence from Spain and the region of Texas became part of Mexico. On April 21, 1836, Texas won independence from … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Six Flags of Texas?
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Frozen Embryos and Legal Uncertainty for Inheritance Rights of Posthumously Conceived Children
State laws vary regarding posthumously conceived or pretermitted children. Many states refer to these children as after-born children or unintentionally omitted children. A pretermitted or posthumously conceived child is one that was born after a parent drafted their Will. In many states, these children receive the same inheritance rights as their siblings born after their parents drafted their Wills. Technically speaking, a posthumously conceived child typically refers to those children … [Read more...] about Frozen Embryos and Legal Uncertainty for Inheritance Rights of Posthumously Conceived Children
Make 2012 A Gift Giving Year
Accountants and tax attorneys know some of the best ways to reduce your tax liabilities while you are still living. However, estate planning attorneys may help you simultaneously reduce your tax liabilities while you are still living and after your death. According to the federal Internal Revenue Code, the Internal Revenue Service allows you to make gifts of up to $13,000 without having you pay taxes on those gifts. Furthermore, your recipients will not have to pay federal income taxes on the … [Read more...] about Make 2012 A Gift Giving Year
Architectural Continuing Education
On December 16, 2012, Stephen A. Mendel served as a continuing education instructor on Legal Issues for Texas Architects. Mr. Mendel's presentation covered Compliance with the Rules & Regulations on the Practice of Architecture, and Complying with the Texas Standards of Professional Conduct. The educational topics included, but were not necessarily limited to, ensuring competence, avoiding reckless and dishonest practice, avoiding conflicts of interest, preventing the unauthorized practice … [Read more...] about Architectural Continuing Education
Texas History – How Big It Is!!!
In terms of land mass, Texas is larger than five (5) contiguous nations in Western Europe, and larger than thirteen (13) contiguous U.S. states. Texas shares a common boundary with four (4) U.S. states (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana), and four (4) Mexican states (Temaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Chihuahua). … [Read more...] about Texas History – How Big It Is!!!
Thought for the Day – Be a Good Friend
Be a presence for good in your community by being friendly, kind, and caring. Greet others with a wave and a cheerful smile. Be thankful for your friends. … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day – Be a Good Friend
Medicaid Changes Likely as Congress Debates Debt Ceiling and Spending
The debate in Washington D.C. regarding the debt ceiling will continue, with ramifications for programs such as Medicaid. Medicaid was designed to offer financial support to those who need long term care – if, that is, they qualify – meaning they have a certain maximum level of income and assets. There are “countable” assets, then there are “exempt” assets such as one’s home. There is a primary budget-cutting stage in Congress that will not affect Medicaid, but the second stage, which has a … [Read more...] about Medicaid Changes Likely as Congress Debates Debt Ceiling and Spending
Managing Those Documents and Records: A Pain or a Blessing?
Whether it’s for you or for your loved ones, managing those endless documents and records that relate to an estate can be quite the challenge. Most of us don’t like the task, but good record keeping will be a blessing when that day comes: a death; disability; maybe a divorce affecting you or a loved one or a son or daughter. These days, managing important records and documents can be more difficult than in the past. With many transactions taking place online today – protected by user names … [Read more...] about Managing Those Documents and Records: A Pain or a Blessing?
Four Items a Will Should Have
Creating a will is the cornerstone of estate planning, don’t underestimate the need for a valid, legal will. It is necessary, even if you have a living trust, to name an executor for your estate, to name a guardian for any children under the age of 18 and to distribute or ‘pour over’ any property not owned by a living trust. The popularity of do it yourself will kits and forms has increased over the past decade, but there are four things that may be missing from this estate planning document … [Read more...] about Four Items a Will Should Have
Texas Adopts Loser Pays!
The Texas Legislature recently passed two important laws. The first law requires the Texas Supreme Court to adopt rules that provide for the dismissal of cases that have no basis in law or fact. This is a significant step for Texas because it brings Texas more in line with the federal courts who have had such a rule for years. The second law is known as the “Loser Pays” law. Under this law, the Texas Supreme Court is required to adopt rules for the award of attorneys’ fees to the … [Read more...] about Texas Adopts Loser Pays!
