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Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 1 of 3

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This three-part blog series discusses the steps of probating a decedent’s will after he or she dies. If you are the decedent’s appointed executor or personal representative, you may be able to gain a cursory understanding of your probate duties during the next several months by reviewing these blog entries. If you are the personal representative of a decedent who died intestate or without a validly written will, your duties will also include locating the decedent’s heirs. Once you locate any … [Read more...] about Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 1 of 3

Texas History – When Was the Issue of Slavery First Addressed in Colonial Texas?

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Mexican law prohibited the practice of human bondage, but national officials did not enforce the law in colonial Texas because the cultivation of cotton was the means to developing a cloth manufacturing industry. In 1829, when President Vicente Guerrero emancipated all slaves in Mexico, lawmakers exempted Texas to satisfy complaints by Stephen F. Austin on behalf of Texas slaveholders. In Texas, a system of indentured servitude developed whereby slaves signed a long-term contract with masters … [Read more...] about Texas History – When Was the Issue of Slavery First Addressed in Colonial Texas?

Estate Plans for the Living

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When most people think about estate plans, they think about documents that will be used by their relatives and the courts after they pass away. This is usually the bulk of an estate plan. However, some of the most important documents in an estate plan are actually legal instruments that are designed to be used while you are still alive. In fact, these documents lose all legal effect as soon as you pass away. One of these documents is called a Health Care Power of Attorney. In this short, … [Read more...] about Estate Plans for the Living

Texas History – Do You Know How Much Land a Settler Could Receive in 1825?

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In 1825, while under the Mexican flag, a married man could receive as much as 4,428 acres for grazing purposes and 177 acres for farming by paying for locating, surveying, and securing title, which altogether would cost him less than land acquisition in the United States. An unmarried man could receive one-fourth that amount. Whether single or married, the men could take up to six (6) years to pay for their land, with payments beginning no later than the fourth year. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How Much Land a Settler Could Receive in 1825?

Romney’s Estate and Investment Tax Proposals

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We have talked previously about the uncertainty concerning the estate tax at the end of 2012. It gets even more uncertain because it is a Presidential election year and the two candidates have different proposals on estate and investment taxes. Today, we will look at the Republican candidate's proposals. The biggest change under Romney's tax plan is the complete elimination of the estate tax. He also proposes dramatic changes to investment tax rates. Under the Romney plan, anyone with an income … [Read more...] about Romney’s Estate and Investment Tax Proposals

Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

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Raymond Massey (1896-1983) - Actor   Drawn to the theater in 1922, Massey appeared on the London stage. His first movie role was High Treason in 1927. In 1929, he directed the London premiere of The Silver Tassie. Following World War II, he became an American citizen. His memorable film roles thereafter included portraying the husband of Joan Crawford during her Oscar-nominated role from 1947's Possessed and the doomed publishing tycoon Gail Wynand in 1949's The Fountainhead, opposite … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

Obama’s Estate and Investment Tax Proposals

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In our last post, we discussed what Mitt Romney proposes to do about the estate tax and taxes on investments if he is elected President. Of course, President Obama also has his own proposals and they include some changes from the current laws, so we should look at what he proposes to change. For the estate tax, President Obama proposes a return to the 2009 rules. These set the estate tax exemption at $3.5 million and the estate tax rate at 45%. This is an increase in the estate tax from 2012 … [Read more...] about Obama’s Estate and Investment Tax Proposals