Dallas Elder Law Attorney

Surviving spouses are entitled to certain rights and interests - even if a spouse dies without a Will. However, it is up to a judge or jury to determine if a couple is married if there was no formal marriage - which would make a difference as to inheritance rights.

Research takes another step forward in earlier detection of Alzheimer's. Discovery of any underlying cause will result in more research on the gene and reducing risk or having a higher quality of life for a longer period of time.

When it comes to money, beneficiaries often fight - no matter how much or little the size of the estate. Michael Jackson's mother and children are no longer speaking as a result.

Consumers need protection. Those who charge a fee for Medicaid assistance violate Texas law. An actual case is described as to why this law is important.

A person who discovered relatives through 23AndMe will likely inherit millions from a father she never knew. When a person dies without a will, beneficiary designation, or trust, the state law determines who are the heirs.

If proper language is not used when preparing a joint Ladybird (enhanced life estate) deed), your interest in the property may go differently than anticipated on the first of the joint owners to die.

The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, who became creditors of O.J. Simpson as a wrongful death judgment, are now pursuing payment from O.J.'s estate for the debt never collected. A discussion of O.J.'s estate planning and the probate process are discussed.

Planning for disability and death often is different when public benefits are involved or potentially involved.

Michael describes common mistakes when making a will and what makes a will valid.

Legal documents Wendy Williams could have had to make things easier on the family.

Exceptions and options to avoid Medicaid estate recovery in Texas - How to save my home and other assets from reimbursement to the state.

Use of annuities in planning for long term care Medicaid eligibility are discussed.

Different distributions to a beneficiary from a trust.

Weird and hilarious Will provisions actually used.

Planning options for the benefit of a minor or someone too immature to handle funds.

George Carlin's estate has sued for copyright infringement and use of his name, image, and likeness as a result of a podcast created by AI (artificial intelligence).

There is a recent trend of states passing a law that permits an ecological death - human composting. This describes the process and how to plan in Texas for your bodily remains after death.

There are many common errors in drafting a will that is to be probated in Texas. The common mistakes to be avoided are discussed.

Jay Leno's failure to adequately plan in advance (even when he knew his wife had dementia) has resulted in petitioning the court with hopes that the court will permit him to do what he should have done.

A Texas case which decided whether the spouse (who was also the niece) of the deceased could be the beneficiary of his will.

Many want to give instructions and take care of beloved pets if they die before their pet(s). Various ways pet trusts can be established are discussed.

14 exceptions to Long-Term Care Medicaid's Transfer Penalty Rules are discussed. This can be used to accelerate governmental assistance to pay for care costs and medications.

An actual ongoing case of a multi-millionaire recluse who was originally thought to have died without a will is now embroiled in an estate battle with someone claiming to have a valid will 7 years after the recluse died.

If you trust your agent on your financial power of attorney, the document can include many extra powers beyond statutory language as illustrated by the following case.

6 ways to use transfer planning to reduce or eliminate estate tax.