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The Taxes an Executor Needs to Know About

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Being an executor of a Will requires much more than merely disposing of the deceased's possessions according to the terms of the Will. One of the things that many people do not think about when they agree to be an Executor are the tax returns that need to be filed. Recently, SmartMoney published a very helpful and quick list for Executors that bears repeating. Executors need to file the deceased's final 1040 income tax return. This return covers the time period from the date of the person's … [Read more...] about The Taxes an Executor Needs to Know About

Will Your Facebook Outlive You?

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Most people are reasonably aware about what will happen to their physical property when they pass away. Either your closest living relatives or the people named in your estate plan will receive it after taxes are paid and your creditors are paid. But, what happens to your digital estate? Have you thought about it? Many people spend a lot of time in online communities from Facebook to forums to blog comments. The accounts that we create and the friendships that we make in these communities are … [Read more...] about Will Your Facebook Outlive You?

Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

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Gary Cooper (1901-1061) - Actor   Gary Cooper was an American film actor renowned for his quiet, understated acting style. His stoic and at times intense screen persona was particularly well suited to the many Westerns he made. He also excelled in sophisticated, screwball romantic comedies. Cooper received five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, winning twice for Sergeant York and High Noon. He also received an Honorary Award in 1961 from the Academy. Yet, despite his success as an … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

Burden of Proof in Trust Disputes

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If you have been appointed as a Trustee of a Trust that has other people as beneficiaries, you need to exercise extreme care and caution about how you handle the Trust assets. This is especially the case if you make transactions for the Trust that could be seen as self-interested. In Texas, the law is not on the Trustee's side if a dispute over the transactions arises. In an ordinary civil lawsuit, the plaintiff has the burden to prove that the defendant committed the act complained of. … [Read more...] about Burden of Proof in Trust Disputes

Protect Your Health

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You have probably heard something along the lines of "Your health is the most precious thing you have." It is often true for many people. As a blanket statement, it is not true for everyone. Regardless of your opinion on the subject, you should guard and preserve your health. Without good health, it is difficult to enjoy anything else that you might find precious. One of the best ways to protect your health is by visiting an estate planning attorney and getting a Health Care Power of … [Read more...] about Protect Your Health