Property Succession Planning at Death

We offered this seminar on the four Sundays following Easter 2007.  The sessions were presented in the Library of Ascension Episcopal School during the Christian Formation Period which begins each week at 930 AM.  The seminar was led by Billy R. Smith, Attorney at Law, and member of the parish.

The next seminar will be on. March 30, April, 6, 13 and 20, 2008.

1st Session: Do I Need a Will? Subtitle: My Estate Plan or the State’s Plan?

1. Who needs a Will.
2. Types of Wills recognized in Texas.
3. Do I need a lawyer?
4. Estate Settlement: (What is “Probate”? Types of Probate Procedures; Independent Administration; Dependent Administration; Small Estate Settlement; Family Settlement Without Probate)
5.  Questions

2nd Session: Avoiding the Probate Process

1. Trusts

2. JTWROS, POD, TOD, Life Estates, etc.

3. Questions

3rd Session: Death Taxes & Avoidance

1. Gifting, i.e. no property, no tax

2. Charitable Gifts

3. Bypassing

4. Value Discounts

5. Questions

4th Session: Advance Directives, i.e., Planning to Live

1. Financial Power of Attorney

2. Medical Power of Attorney & HIPAA Release and Authority

3. Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (the so-called “Living Will”)

4. Declaration of Guardian

5. Do Not Resuscitate Order

6. Who has authority to dispose of my remains?

7. Are the statutory forms sufficient?

8. Questions