John Madden would be proud. When I explain the difference between probate and non-probate assets to clients and seminar attendees, I usually produce a diagram that is worthy of the most elaborate of football plays. Life insurance policies, helpfully marked with an “L”, are jumping over probate estates to end up with beneficiaries, “O’s”, and real estate arrows straight downward through the will, “W” of course, to be sold and...

“Foul deeds will rise, / Though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes.” — Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 2) Understanding Real Property and Title in Texas Jane purchased a house with 5 acres. She named it “Little Farm.” Little Farm is considered real property. Jane’s ownership of Little Farm meant that she held title to that real property. Transferring Title Through a General Warranty Deed Jane eventually sold Little Farm to David. Her...

This is a true tale of undue influence and its devastating effects on family relationships. Understanding undue influence is critical in estate planning and protecting seniors from manipulation. Orville: A Life of Accomplishments Meet Orville. He had a life full of accomplishments. He had flown planes during World War II, worked for a major airline, and successfully run a small business. Orville and his wife had three daughters: May, June, and Lisa....