Picture yourself walking through a peaceful cemetery at dawn, light filtering through the leafy canopies of ancient oaks onto an array of crumbling carved gravestones. In the distance, you see a small mausoleum fronted, jarringly, with a white sign saying FOR SALE BY OWNER.   That’s probably not going to happen, at least in Texas, where cemetery plots are controlled by a confusing mixture of state law and local rules. What Is...

Your wish is not a will. In estate planning, the language used in a will or a trust determines whether your intentions are legally binding or merely suggestions. Phrases like “I wish,” “It is my desire” may seem harmless, but in probate, they can completely undermine your plan. These are known as precatory words, and they can create confusion, trigger litigation, and ultimately disappoint your intended beneficiaries. If your will contains...

Do you own a timeshare?  My condolences. You have the equivalent of a sticky bomb in your portfolio. For many timeshare owners, what once seemed like a great vacation investment can quickly become a financial burden. Rising maintenance fees, restrictive timeshare contracts, and limited resale options often leave owners searching for a legal way out. If you are trying to get rid of a timeshare legally, understanding your options — and...