The Mendel Law Firm, L.P.

What happens if my spouse and I both die at the same time in Texas? Common Estate Planning for Married CouplesIt is common for married couples to create reciprocal estate plans that leave all probate assets to the surviving spouse. They may also hold their non-probate property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and name each other as the beneficiaries of retirement accounts, individual retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. When one spouse dies, all assets are passed down … [Read more...] about The Mendel Law Firm L.P. – AVVO Guides

'Whenever you find yourself blaming providence, turn it around in your mind and you will see that what has happened is in keeping with reason." - Epictetus, Discourse, 3.17.1 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

“Austin's Colony was the first and largest Anglo-American settlement in Mexican Texas and was established by Stephen F. Austin in 1821.” The main business of the Austin colony was to distribute land among the settlers and the introduction of new settlers. As the founder, Stephen F. Austin was the principal coordinator and administrator of the colony. From 1821-1831 Stephen introduced around 2,000 families to the state of Texas. “Austin's Colony Records.” The Texas General Land Office, George … [Read more...] about Texas History – When was the First Colony Established in Texas?

5 Things to Know about a “No-Contest” Clause Last Will and Testament BasicsA Last Will and Testament is a legal document that lets you make specific or general gifts of your estate assets to be distributed after your death. The primary incentive for leaving behind a Will is to let you control this distribution of your estate, rather than letting someone else (the State) decide how your assets are distributed.What is Probate?After your death, your estate will need to go through the legal … [Read more...] about The Mendel Law Firm L.P. – AVVO Guides

"From good people you learn good, but if you mingle with the bad you'll destroy such soul as you had." - Musonius Rufus, Quoting Theognis of Megara, Lectures, 11.53.21-22 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

The official flag of The Republic of Texas was adopted on January 25, 1839. The colors chosen for the Texas flag were red for courage, blue for loyalty, and white for purity and liberty, the same as the United States flag. “While Dr. Charles B. Stewart is credited with drawing an early image of the Lone Star Flag, no one knows who actually designed Texas’ flag. His drawing was used when legislation adopting the flag was enacted, but the flag’s designer remains a mystery.” “5 Interesting Texas … [Read more...] about Texas History – Who Designed the Texas State Flag?

"If a person gave away your body to some passerby, you'd be furious. Yet you hand over your mind to anyone who comes along, so they must abuse you, leaving it disturbed and troubled - have you no shame in that?" - Epictetus, Enchiridion, 28 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Do you know when Texas officially became a part of the United States of America? Texas faced many challenges such as being ruled over by Spain, France and Mexico. But Texas finally won its independence in April of 1836. They became the Republic of Texas, but this republic did not last long. “Texas, situated in the south central United States, became the twenty-eighth state in the Union on December 29, 1845.” Texas joined the United States of America and has been a part ever since. Stephens, … [Read more...] about Texas History – When did Texas become a part of the United State?

"So, concerning the things we pursue, and for which we vigorously exert ourselves, we owed this consideration - either there is nothing useful in them, or most aren't useful. Some of them are superfluous, while others aren't worth that much. But we don't discern this and see them as free, when they cost us dearly." - Seneca, Moral Letters, 42.6 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

The United States has eight major physiographic regions, these are the Laurentian Upland, the Pacific Mountain System, the Intermontane Plateaus, the Rocky Mountain System, the US Interior Highlands, the Interior Plains, the Appalachian Highlands, and the Atlantic Plain. “Of the eight major physiographic regions in the United States, five are found in Texas. This shows the diversity of Texas, that it can be dry, hot, and flat one place while it is cool, green and have rolling hills in another … [Read more...] about Texas History – Physiographic Regions