As a result of Empresario Grants (which were discussed last week), the Peters Company settled a total of 1,787 families, widows with children, and single men on land in Texas. In return, the company received certificates for 1,088,000 acres within the grant’s boundaries. … [Read more...] about Texas History – How Many Settlers did the Peters Company Bring to Texas from 1841 to 1848?
Mistakes in Your Estate Plan
Most estate planning attorneys have some sort of horror story that he or she can share, if they are so inclined. An all too common one is that someone's property was left in a Will or Trust to people that the deceased did not even know. The spouses and children of the deceased then go to the estate planning attorney and ask for a way to fix the problem. This can happen when the deceased went to a non-specialist to get an estate plan. Non-specialists often have some form Wills and Trusts that … [Read more...] about Mistakes in Your Estate Plan
Texas History – What was the Law that Successfully Brought Settlers to Texas?
On February 4, 1841, the Texas Congress approved a special measure entitled "A Law Granting Land to Immigrants." It authorized the president of the Republic to sign a contract, commonly referred to as an Empresario Grant, with William S. Peters and associates for a tract of land in North Texas. Historian Seymour V. Connor asserted that this law "was the most important single act of the Republic." … [Read more...] about Texas History – What was the Law that Successfully Brought Settlers to Texas?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) - Physicist, Mathematician, Astronomer & Philosopher In 1609, Galileo invented the first telescope, which continues to influence how the world views science and how science views the world and the universe. Today’s telescopes have led to the discovery of at least 100 billion galaxies in the universe. Another great influence by Galileo is his published view concerning the Copernican and Ptolemaic systems - that the earth went around the sun and that the sun went … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C. S. Lewis … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Where the Estate Tax Stands
Many people were relieved that Congress and President Obama were able to reach a last minute deal to avoid the so-called "Fiscal Cliff." However, there was also some trepidation about what the deal would include. As it turns out the deal, passed into law as the American Taxpayer Relief Act, contains some things that people are pleased with and others that most people are not. This is certainly the case for the portions of the deal that involve the estate and gift taxes. To get the bad news … [Read more...] about Where the Estate Tax Stands
Divorce and Previously Drafted Wills in Texas
As a domicile of Texas, you may be able to rely on the state’s probate laws to a limited extent should you divorce. Almost all estate planning lawyers will recommend periodic reviews of estate planning documents. Your estate planning attorney will most likely ask you to review your estate plan during or after important life-changing events. One of these events is divorce. At least one time after your divorce, you should sit down with your estate planning attorney to review your estate plan. … [Read more...] about Divorce and Previously Drafted Wills in Texas
Texas History – Do You Know Who Designed the “Lone Star” flag of Texas?
Johanna Troutman is given official credit for designing the "Lone Star" flag of Texas, although there were several flags bearing the lone star used in various Texas battles. Mrs. Troutman, however, is referred to as the Betsy Ross of Texas. The Lone Star flag was approved in 1839. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who Designed the “Lone Star” flag of Texas?
Thought for the Day:
Congratulations to Steve Mendel on his recent trip to Snowmass, CO, where he enjoyed an afternoon of skiing with his son, Kyle Mendel. … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Hefner’s Prenuptial Agreement
Many people are hesitant to get prenuptial agreements. They think of them in terms of potential divorces and no one wants to think about getting divorced when they are about to get married. However, prenuptial agreements can serve a different purpose. They can also be a very important part of an estate plan. When Hugh Hefner recently got married for the third time, he made sure to get a prenuptial agreement. Hefner is undoubtedly far wealthier than his new wife and he has children from previous … [Read more...] about Hefner’s Prenuptial Agreement
