Blog • The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith, P.C.

Power of Attorney: The 3 POA Documents That Everyone Needs

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / July 20, 2021

COVID-19 affects everyone differently. While some people are minimally affected, others experience adverse reactions that impact their ability to breathe independently. More than 600,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone, and many...

Set It, But Don’t Forget It: 5 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / July 14, 2021

An estate plan is not something that you draft...and then forget about it. If you think back on the last several years, you might be surprised how much has happened, and how different your circumstances...

5 Tips About How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Estate Plan

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / July 6, 2021

The topic of estate planning is a tough one to bring up with parents. Not only is it emotional to think about a time when your parents will no longer be around, but the topic...

What You Need to Know About the Impact of the SECURE Act on Your Estate Plan

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / June 29, 2021

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) went into effect on January 1, 2020, and we saw some major changes…especially with regard to estate planning. More specifically, the SECURE Act impacted...

Stop Procrastinating & Start Estate Planning: Tips to Get Started

By Robin Agricola / June 14, 2021

Why Do We Procrastinate When it Comes to Estate Planning? What happens after you die isn’t the most comfortable topic to think about, which is why many people to procrastinate when it comes to estate...

Understanding Special Needs Trusts in Texas

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / May 17, 2021

If you have a close family member with special needs, you most likely never stop thinking about the future of your loved one. Parents with a special needs child want to ensure that even when...

Key Considerations When Choosing a Probate Lawyer

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / May 10, 2021

If you have been named executor of a loved one’s estate, it is natural that you might feel overwhelmed by the many tasks that lay ahead. After all, the executor’s role involves more than ensuring...

Protecting Your Assets from Long-Term Care Costs: Five Essential Steps

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / May 3, 2021

Aging is an expensive endeavor. While many financial burdens are relieved by reaping the benefits of your peak earning years and seeing children start their own adult lives, many more await just ahead in the...

Federal Estate Tax May Be Coming for You and Here’s What to Do

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / April 19, 2021

In December of 2017, then-President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which increased the federal estate tax (FET) exemption from $5.49 million to $11.18 million for an individual. In 2019 this number rose...

Asset Protection Is for Everyone, Not Just The Wealthy

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / April 12, 2021

Asset protection in the context of estate planning is often thought of as a process only for those that have a substantial estate to be protected from the government, creditors and/or predators. However, you do...

Mo Hineline

Smith & Smith are very professional, informative, and relatable with examples and stories to ease the estate planning process. I had the best time at their lunch and learn. Even if you already have your estate planning in place I highly recommend attending a lunch and learn. Thanks Smith & Smith!

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