by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Social Security Background The social security program began in 1935 when the Social Security Act was first enacted. At that time, the program was almost exclusively a retirement benefit program. The program gave monthly benefits to covered workers who had reached age... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Tax Issues Will my estate automatically have to pay taxes at my death? Not necessarily. In the event your gross estate (i.e., all of the assets in which you own an interest-probate and nonprobate) is less than the $1,500,000 exemption allowed under law, no estate tax... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Living Trust Scams and the Senior Consumer If you are age 50 or older, you should take special care when buying living trusts. Your age group is often a special target of salespersons whose goal is to sell you something without carefully analyzing your needs. It is... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Residential Services and Placement What types of residential services and placement alternatives exist for seniors? A wide variety of residential services and placement alternatives exist for seniors. They include senior centers, adult day healthcare centers, in-home... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Organ Donation What organs and tissues can I donate? Kidney – People on dialysis suffering from kidney disease may benefit from a transplant. A recipient of a kidney transplant will be given that chance to lead a more normal life. Liver – Many children and... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Nursing Home Rights Do I have any rights to care and comfort in a nursing home? Absolutely. When you enter the nursing home you will be asked to sign an admission agreement, which is an important document that helps define the legal relationship between you and the... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Mental Health Commitments What is a mental health commitment? A mental health commitment involves a procedure whereby an individual who falls into certain categories as defined by the Texas Mental Health Code is placed in a mental health facility for treatment. The... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Independent Executor Rights and Duties How do I administer an estate? Each estate is, of course, unique. The information provided here is intended as a mere overview. It is by no means comprehensive. Both the estate’s attorney and accountant should be involved... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Homesteads What is a homestead? In general, a homestead refers to certain property, such as a home or family residence, as defined by constitution or statute to be exempt from seizure or other forced sale. The amount and nature of the property that qualifies for the... by attorney-austin | Nov 16, 2009 | Estate Planning
Planning for Incapacity What does the term “incapacitated” mean? An adult is incapacitated if, because of a physical or mental condition, the person is substantially unable to provide food, clothing, or shelter for himself or herself, to care for his or...