It is always interesting how the laws in different countries can be so similar and yet so different at the same time. In estate law, most European countries have fairly similar laws to what we have in the United States. We can read their laws and read news stories about estates in European countries and have a good idea of what is going on. But, there are always important differences. For example, in Italy a wealthy woman recently left her entire estate to her dog. Italian law, however, does … [Read more...] about Leaving Money to Your Dog
Texas History – What was Sam Houston’s Indian Name?
Sam Houston, Texas’ first president and the first governor, was given the name "the Raven" by the Cherokee Indians when he lived with them in Tennessee. The chief of the band selected the name because of the "powerful medicine" of the bird in Cherokee mythology. … [Read more...] about Texas History – What was Sam Houston’s Indian Name?
Thought for the Day:
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese Proverb … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Thought for the Day:
Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. Charles Swindoll … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Do Not Miss Texas Probate Deadlines
The Texas Probate Courts are not known for being forgiving when litigants do not properly handle everything. In El Paso, the Will contest in the estate of actor Sherman Hemsley illustrates the unforgiving nature of Texas Probate Courts. Hemsley passed away with a Will that he had written approximately a month earlier. The Will designated that his entire estate should go to his "beloved partner." A Philadelphia man stepped forward to claim that he was Hemsley's long lost half-brother. He also … [Read more...] about Do Not Miss Texas Probate Deadlines
Texas History – Do You Know Who the Poinsettia Plant is Named After?
One of our best-loved Christmas symbols is named for a transplanted Texan. The poinsettia is named for Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, an amateur botanist originally from South Carolina. It is said that while Poinsett served as the first U.S. minister (ambassador) to Mexico from 1825 to 1829, he took a liking to the showy flower while living in Texas. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who the Poinsettia Plant is Named After?
Thought for the Day:
We become what we think about. Earl Nightingale … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
New to Texas? Review Your Estate Plan
One of the reasons to create a Living Trust is that any assets in the Trust do not have to go through Probate after you pass away. This is the primary reason that many people have Trusts because Probate can be a long and expensive process. However, it is possible to have a problem with your Trust that can cause it to have to go through Probate anyway. One common problem is that people fail to update their Trusts when something changes significantly in their lives. The inventor of Jeno's Pizza … [Read more...] about New to Texas? Review Your Estate Plan
Texas History – Do You Know What Holiday is Known by the Nickname “Juneteenth”?
One of Texas’ most celebrated holidays is known by a nickname. June 19, 1865 is the date when Union General Granger announced, for the first time, the emancipation of Texas slaves. Texas blacks celebrate this day as "Juneteenth." … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Holiday is Known by the Nickname “Juneteenth”?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Tony Curtis (195-2010) - Actor Tony Curtis was an American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. Although his early film roles were partly the result of his good looks, by the later half of the1950s, he became a notable and strong screen presence. He began proving himself to be a fine dramatic actor, having a range to act in numerous dramatic and comedic roles. He won his first serious recognition as a skilled dramatic … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
