Christopher D’Olier Reeve (1952-2004) - Actor & Activist Christopher Reeve was an American actor, film director and producer, author, and activist. Reeve was born to parents with strong literary backgrounds, however, Reeve knew as a child that he would be an actor. At the age of eight, Reeve performed in school plays, and at nine, he was chosen to be in a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, Yeoman of the Guard, for Princeton's professional theater, the McCarter Theatre. Reeve got a summer … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
“Positive energy is attracted to positive energy.” Deborah Day … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Can My Estate Avoid Probate?
Although the primary goal of an estate plan is to determine how your estate assets will be distributed when you die, another common goal is to avoid probate. There are a number of reasons why avoiding probate is a worthwhile goal. Understanding those reasons can help you develop an estate plan that allows your estate to avoid probate to the extent possible. In many cases, completely avoiding probate is not possible; however, there are many estate planning strategies that can significantly … [Read more...] about Can My Estate Avoid Probate?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Warren E. Burger (1907-1995) - 15TH Chief Justice of the United States In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon nominated Warren Burger to the Chief Justice position. Burger had first caught Nixon’s eye through a letter of support he sent to Nixon during the 19522 Fund crises. Burger was known as an advocate of a literal, strict-constructionist reading the U.S. Constitution. Nixon agreed with these views led to the appointment. Although Burger was a conservative, the U.S. Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
What is the Uniform Probate Code?
Historically, state law has governed issues relating to wills, trusts, and estates which include the laws and procedures that apply to the probate of an estate. While probate remains under state jurisdiction, the Uniform Probate Code, or UPC, has helped to standardize the probate process and create a more uniform set of laws and procedures among the states. The UPC was originally drafted in 1964 by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, or NCCUSL. The goals of the UPC … [Read more...] about What is the Uniform Probate Code?
Free Report: Including Texas Charitable Gifting In Your Estate Plan
Funds Hidden Heading Most people include charitable gifting in their estate plan because they have a personal connection to the charities to which they leave gifts; however, giving to charity in your estate plan often has an added benefit – decreasing your estates exposure to various taxes. Taxes are an important consideration in any well-drafted estate plan. To understand how your charitable gifting can impact your estate’s tax obligations. Topics covered in this report include: … [Read more...] about Free Report: Including Texas Charitable Gifting In Your Estate Plan
Free Report: Texas Estate Planning Myths and Misconceptions – How Much Do You Really Know About Estate Planning
This common misperception comes from the concept of state intestate succession laws. Only in very rare cases where absolutely no living heirs can be found will the state get your assets when you die. The state laws of intestate succession, however, will determine who does get your assets if you die without a valid Last Will and Testament in place. One reason people often give for not executing a Will is that they are married and, therefore, their spouse will get to decide who gets what when they … [Read more...] about Free Report: Texas Estate Planning Myths and Misconceptions – How Much Do You Really Know About Estate Planning
Thought for the Day:
“Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.” Roopleen … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?
Commonly referred to as the "graying of America", the American population is aging at an astounding rate. In fact, estimates tell us that by the year 2050 the number of older Americans (aged 65 and older) will outnumber younger Americans (under 21) for the first time in history. Not surprisingly, this has put issues faced by the elderly to be at the forefront of both the political arena and the social conscience in the United States in recent years. Specifically, healthcare for the elderly has … [Read more...] about Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?
Texas History – Do You Know What Rail Line Was Called the “Boll Weevil Line” During the Early Twentieth Century?
The Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway of Texas came into existence on October 7, 1902, originally chartered to build a railroad from Johnson County to the Beaumont area near the Gulf coast. It took its name from the Trinity and Brazos rivers. It was commonly known as the "Boll Weevil," though it referred to itself as the "Valley Road." The first line opened between Hillsboro and Mexia in 1903, then it was extended north to Cleburne in 1904 for a total of 78 miles of track between Cleburne and … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Rail Line Was Called the “Boll Weevil Line” During the Early Twentieth Century?
