Elder Law

Allow me to introduce you to Diogenes syndrome. It is a particularly unpleasant behavioral disorder whose sufferers are often elderly. Diogenes syndrome is hoarding on steroids. It is characterized by squalor in the home, hoarding and extreme self-neglect. Think 100 cats kept in a 2-bedroom house, stacks of papers to the ceiling that make hallways impassable, rooms full of garbage, or compulsive buying of unneeded items that accumulate on every...

The Texas law of descent and distribution is a bit complex so, just for fun, let’s kill off Bob, an imaginary person who lacked the foresight to have a will, and see how the law applies to his estate. If you are reluctant to play the game, just remember that you could be personally touched by the law if you live in Texas, have relatives in Texas, or have...

Meet the brand-new Chapter 280 of the Texas Finance Code, effective September 1, 2017. You need to know about this one. Going by the catchy name “Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation,” Chapter 280 puts the onus on financial institutions, securities dealers and investment advisers to help protect seniors (65+) from fraud and financial exploitation. This is a good news – bad news law. The good news is that...