What does the “Inflation Reduction Act” do… for you?
President Biden scored a win on some issues, but a loss on others when he signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. The legislation left the estate and gift tax alone and made modest changes to the income tax. The Act will have a significant impact on those on Medicare because of the cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs and insulin.
What Is Probate? Why Do People Avoid It?
One of the first questions we usually get here at the Slaton Schauer Law Firm, PLLC is “what is probate?” Once we get further into the estate planning process, another common question is “why should we avoid probate?” We’ll take a look at both of these questions here. Let’s start with a basic definition of […]
Three Essential Tips to Help Plan Your Estate
It’s summer, but you may be “frozen” by the sheer number of options when it comes to estate planning! Most people simply do not know where to start. Don’t be overwhelmed; in this post we’ll give you three solid tips on how to start your estate plan. 1) Don’t be overly concerned about taxation. Sometimes […]
What to do When Will Contests Terrorize You
Estate Planning practitioners field questions regarding disinheriting beneficiaries regularly. The second question often relates to what happens when that beneficiary or any other tries to have the estate plan or portions thereof overturned. An “in terrorem” or “no contest” clause usually acts as a deterrent to such beneficiaries by completing divesting them of their inheritance should they choose to initiate a lawsuit
Spring 2022 Summit Recap – Austin Adventures!
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the conference.
Coordination in Estate Planning
Originally Written By: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Edited By: Andrew T. Slaton-Freeman, J.D., Attorney, Slaton Schauer Law Firm, PLLC Perhaps the most common mistake in estate planning isn’t apparent by looking at the will or trust document itself. The most common mistake is […]
Why Do People Avoid Probate?
Probate is a legal process that can be initiated when an estate is being administered. In Texas, a small estate can avoid probate through the use of a simple affidavit or a simplified probate procedure. Independent administration is another alternative to the full probate process. When an estate is going through the actual probate procedure, […]
The Role of the Estate Planning Attorney
Clients often come to an Estate Planning attorney with specific ideas in their minds. The attorney’s role is to counsel them regarding their plan, not just to draw up documents to accomplish it. Read on to learn more.