Some topics are so messy that they are simply not addressed in polite company. One such topic is the Black Hole of Probate.   What is the Black Hole of Probate? The Black Hole describes that touchy period between your death and the probate of your estate.  It is a dead zone. No one person has the authority to do anything with your property. For example:  You die on April 1, leaving...

Mothers strive to protect their children, and we salute all mothers this May for their beautiful instincts of worry and concern over, well, EVERYTHING. We salute mothers for the burdens they take on for their children.  The Texas House has provided a lasting Mother’s Day gift to mothers everywhere. House Bill 18 USE OF DIGITAL SERVICES BY MINORS protects Minor Children (and mothers’ credit cards) from digital service agreements without...

Forty years of estate planning, guardianship, and probate have given me an interesting perspective on sibling relationships. I have seen siblings at their best and their worst. I have seen siblings cope with craziness, vindictiveness, and poor-to-no estate planning by their parents. I have also seen them work together seamlessly. I’ve seen thoughtful parents who do everything they can to minimize conflict, and I’ve seen careless parents who, intentionally or...