You might think you know what you need in your estate plan. You may have even read some information online from some company that wants to sell you forms that they claim are all you need. Before you buy those forms, you should consider a few things first. The law in every state is different. Online companies know that, but their forms barely scratch the surface of accounting for the differences. A form that might be perfect for New York. might be completely invalid in Texas. However, online … [Read more...] about Good Estate Planning Requires an Attorney
Texas History – Do You Know the Colors in the Texas Flag Have a Special Significance?
The red is for courage, white is for liberty, and blue is for loyalty. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Colors in the Texas Flag Have a Special Significance?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Princess Diana (1961-1997) - Children’s Activist Diana Frances Spencer is a wonderful example of someone utilizing their wealth to create a lasting legacy. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Diana became known as the "Peoples Princess" due to her warmth and tireless work for a variety of charities. She represented the International Red Cross and has been praised for her support for battered women and the homeless. Among other causes, she was the voice for victims of AIDS and land mines. A … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
Read books, listen to tapes, attend seminars – they are decades of wisdom reduced to invaluable hours. Mark Victor Hansen … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Executor Access to Email
The duties of an Executor get more and more complex as the world gets more and more complex. With people using email for just about everything today, it is important for an Executor to access the email account of the deceased to make sure that there is nothing important contained in a message, such as a business deadline. However, if the Executor does not have the password, then things can get complicated. In the best case scenario, the Executor will be able to access the computer that the … [Read more...] about Executor Access to Email
Texas History – How Much Money did the U.S. Give Texas in the 1850 Compromise?
In 1850, for territory relinquished, Congress awarded Texas $10 million in U.S. indemnity bonds bearing 5% interest and redeemable at the end of fourteen (14) years. However, in 1855, the U.S. Congress awarded an additional $2,750,000. … [Read more...] about Texas History – How Much Money did the U.S. Give Texas in the 1850 Compromise?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Karen Carpenter (1950-1983) - Singer & Drummer Karen and her brother, Richard, formed the 1970s duo known as "The Carpenters." She was a drummer whose skills earned her admiration from her peers, although she was better known for her vocal performances of idealistic romantic ballads. Karen suffered from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder of extreme weight loss dieting, which was a little-known illness at the time. She died at age 32 from heart failure, caused by complications related to … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Special Event:
Members of the Mendel Law Firm team completed the Angie's Half Crazy Half Marathon on April 7TH, which benefits local law enforcement. Over 1,200 people participated this year, and the weather was beautiful. While the rest of the team was running in the Half Marathon, Steve Mendel was in Galveston participating in the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Triathlon (1.2 mile swim/56 mile bike ride/13.1 mile run). Go Mr. Mendel! … [Read more...] about Special Event:
Do You Need an Annuity?
If you live long enough, there is a fifty-fifty chance that you will end up with some form of dementia. You will not be capable of handling your own finances. It is a possibility that you need to plan for. You should have a General Durable Power of Attorney in place so that someone you designate can handle your finances. However, what if unexpected costs occur and you run out of money? You should have a plan for that possibility as well. One thing that you might want to consider is an annuity. … [Read more...] about Do You Need an Annuity?
Texas History – Do You Know the Legend of the “Easter Fires”?
The town of Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by John Meusebach of New Braunfels. Being on the Indian frontier, it was terrorized by Indian raids. In the spring of 1847 Meusebach successfully made a treaty with the Commanche chiefs. The Indians gathered in the nearby mountains and made camp to watch and make sure there was no treachery from the whites while waiting to sign the treaty. They built their fires to signal to one another. Seeing the fires frightened the children of the settlement, … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Legend of the “Easter Fires”?
