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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Gratia Schoemakers
      • Community Outreach Program
    • Testimonials
  • Virtual Services
  • Estate Planning
    • Estate Planning Basics
    • Last Will and Testament
    • Revocable Living Trusts
    • Durable Power of Attorney
    • Medical Power of Attorney
    • Living Will
    • Family Estate Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning & Asset Protection
    • Kids Safety Plan™
    • Business Succession Planning
    • Guardianship
      • Guardianship Planning
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Legacy Preservation Planning
    • Asset Protection
    • Trusts
    • Pet Trusts
    • Gun Trusts
  • Probate
    • Texas Probate Guide
    • Probate of a Will
    • Texas Affidavit of Heirship
    • Texas Small Estate Affidavit
    • Texas Heirship Determination
    • Texas Muniment of Title
    • Trust Administration
  • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Mediation
    • Custody / Visitation
  • Blog
  • FAQs
    • FAQs – Videos
    • FAQs – Estate Planning
    • FAQs – Beyond Money in Estate Planning
    • FAQs – Divorce and Estate Planning FAQs and Myths
    • FAQs – Estate Planning for Newlyweds Myths and FAQs
    • FAQs – Estate Planning for Young Adults
    • FAQs – The Estate Planning Cast of Characters
    • FAQs – Expecting an Inheritance
    • FAQs – Myths and FAQs – Planning for Conflict Prone Families
    • FAQs – New and Expanding Families
    • FAQs – Pet Trusts
    • FAQs – Probate
    • FAQs – Standalone Retirement Trust Myths and FAQs
    • FAQs – Trust Modifications
    • FAQs – Unwinding Obsolete Planning
    • FAQs – Why You Want to Avoid Probate
    • FAQs – Year-End Planning Myths and FAQs
  • Contact
    • Virtual Estate Planning Login
    • Client Portal

wwPROBATE

3 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs

September 5, 2022 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

probate costs

The bad news: probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, accountants, courts, and state law.  Depending on the probate’s complexity, fees can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The good news: probate costs can be reduced by avoiding probate.  It’s really that simple. Here are three simple ways […]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, wwPROBATE Tagged With: Beneficiaries, Cost, Living Trust, Probate, Probate Costs, Probate Court, Property

Wills, Trusts & Dying Intestate: How They Differ

August 16, 2022 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

Wills, trusts & dying intestate

Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is, as Martha Stewart would say, a “good thing.” However, many of us don’t take the steps to get that estate plan in place because we don’t understand the nuances between wills and trusts – and dying without either. Here’s what will generally happen […]

Filed Under: Design, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, wwPROBATE Tagged With: Adult Children, Dying Intestate, No Will, Privacy, Trust, Will, Will vs Trust

4 Tips For Avoiding a Will or Trust Contest

June 2, 2022 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

Trusts and Will Contest

A will or trust contest can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. But with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous will or trust contest.  If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, consider the following: By following these four tips, […]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, POA, Trusts, Wills, wwPROBATE Tagged With: Trust Contest, Will Contest

What to Bring to Your First Meeting with the Estate Planning Attorney

February 24, 2021 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

If you are thinking about putting together an estate plan, it is important to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. Your initial meeting with an estate planning attorney is a good opportunity to discuss your family’s financial situation as well as your concerns and goals. If you […]

Filed Under: wwPROBATE Tagged With: Important Documents

The Harmonious Family that Won’t Fight? The Outcome May Surprise You

January 7, 2021 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

portrait 317041 1920

Most families are happy families.  They get together for the holidays, share laughs, and tell stories.  Everyone gets along and enjoys each other’s company.  Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies.  Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings bubble to the surface, and the once-happy family is now embroiled in litigation over the decedent’s estate. […]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Wills, wwPROBATE Tagged With: Trust Contest, Will Contest

James Brown’s “Vague” Estate Plan Forced Family into Years of Litigation

December 26, 2020 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

musical estate

James Brown, the legendary singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and bandleader was known to many as the “Godfather of Soul.” Although he intended his estimated $100 million estate to provide for all of his children and grandchildren, his intentions were somewhat vague.  This forced his family into years of litigation which ended up in the […]

Filed Under: Design, Estate Planning, wwPROBATE Tagged With: Celebrities, Last Will, Trust Contest, Will Contest

Just Like You Need a Medical Checkup, Your Estate Plan Needs a Checkup!

December 18, 2020 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

little girl wondering about the future

Whether or not you currently have estate planning documents, one important item to add to your calendar is getting an estate plan checkup. Don’t Have an Estate Plan? If you don’t already have an estate plan, then getting one in place should be at the top of your to-do list. Why?  Because without an estate […]

Filed Under: Design, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, wwPROBATE Tagged With: EP Update, Estate Plan, Update

11 Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

November 2, 2020 By Gratia P. Schoemakers, Esq.

Filed Under: Design, Estate Planning, Videos, Wills, wwPROBATE

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