Recent Blog Posts
Special Needs Planning: ABLE Accounts, Special Needs Trusts & Government Benefit Integration
Planning for a loved one with a disability requires careful coordination of financial resources, public benefits, and long-term care considerations. For families in Harris County, Houston estate planning attorney Leigh B. Meineke helps create estate plans that protect eligibility for essential government programs while providing financial security and quality of life. Special needs planning… Read More »
Prenup v. Will: Which One Controls?
For married couples in Texas, estate planning often involves more than drafting a will. Many spouses also enter into prenuptial agreements before marriage, particularly when one or both parties have significant assets, children from a prior relationship, or business interests to protect. A common and important question that arises later is this: If a… Read More »
Estate Planning in Texas for Same-Sex Couples
Estate planning is essential for every family, but it holds particular importance for same-sex couples in Texas. Although same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in the United States since 2015 under Obergefell v. Hodges, and same-sex marriages are generally recognized in Texas, gaps in informal legal protections and evolving laws mean that thoughtful planning… Read More »
Different Types of Trusts
Trusts are among the most powerful tools available in modern estate planning. They offer flexibility, privacy, tax benefits, and long-term protection for your assets and loved ones. While many people think trusts are only for the wealthy, the reality is that nearly every estate plan can benefit from a trust, especially a Revocable Living… Read More »
Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out after your death or in the event of incapacity. Yet, many Texans make costly mistakes that can lead to confusion, family conflict, or unnecessary taxes and legal fees…. Read More »
How Divorce Can Impact Your Estate Plan
Divorce is a major life event that can significantly impact your estate plan. Your estate plan is designed to reflect your personal and financial circumstances, and marital status looms large in that regard. When a divorce occurs, it may automatically revoke certain provisions in your will, trusts, or beneficiary designations, or it may create… Read More »
Intestate Succession in Texas: What Happens When There’s No Will
Life is unpredictable, and none of us knows when we might pass away. Without a valid will, Texas law steps in and ensures your estate doesn’t go unclaimed, but it won’t necessarily distribute your assets according to your wishes. This process, known as intestate succession, follows a strict legal hierarchy set by the Texas… Read More »
How to Effectively Revoke a Will in Texas
Under Texas law, a testator may revoke a will at any time before death, provided they have the mental capacity to do so and follow the proper procedures. Texas Estates Code § 253.002 outlines the only three valid methods: executing a later will or codicil, actively destroying the document, or directing someone else to destroy… Read More »
What Is a Power of Attorney and How Do I Set One Up?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. This trusted individual is called an “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” Depending on how the document is written, the authority can be broad or limited to specific decisions or time periods. Powers of… Read More »
Duties of an Executor in Probate (and How a Probate Lawyer Can Help)
Serving as the executor of an estate is both an honor and a serious responsibility. In Texas, the executor plays a central role in guiding an estate through the probate process. From filing legal documents to managing assets and distributing property, the executor acts as a fiduciary—someone legally obligated to act in the best… Read More »
