Reasons to Review Your Will

January 16, 2019 12:54 PM Tyler Edmondson

Reasons to Review Your Will

Some people can go several years without reviewing their wills. They might think that once they’ve drafted a will that’s it, others may get busy and not really think about it. It’s easy to forget because many people put it in a safe at home or a safe deposit box. As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” But keeping something so important out of mind could cost you. Life happens and could require you to review your will and update it. A new marriage, divorce, you might have come into a whole lot of cash, or maybe had a child.

Whatever reason, below is a list of a few more possible life changes that will require you to update your will to be sure your wishes are met after your passing.

A change in your relationship.
You move to a different state.
You’ve come into some money.
You move.
Your spouse passes away.
Your children reach legal age.
You want to name new people or take someone out.
You want to add a charity.
Assets change.
Tax laws change.
You start a business.
If you fall ill.

It is important to review your will every three to five years and when big milestones occur in your life. Your will is a valuable tool that facilitates the transfer of your assets. Keep in mind; you can’t alter your will by simply marking something out or adding something new.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

It is a good idea to visit your attorney or tax advisor for help in updating your will. But if you currently do not have a will, it is time to make an appointment with an experienced attorney to help you and your family get started. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC at 972-442-8326 to advise you in properly drafting a will.

We do not intend this information to be legal advice. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. If you need legal advice, you should contact a lawyer through our number (972) 442-8326 or contact another attorney of your choosing.

A Final Will and Testament

January 9, 2019 3:59 PM Tyler Edmondson

A Final Will and Testament

Many people may not put much thought into the importance of having a last will and testament. Some think they have plenty of time or can wait till they get older in age. The truth is there is no certainty in life, and you could pass at a younger age than you imagined. Accidents happen, and illnesses don’t have a specific age preference. A last will and testament are not legally required, but without one the state will determine the distribution of your assets. You may have a plan in mind, but it won’t make a difference unless you legally document it. Keep in mind, if you don’t, the court’s rule may not coincide with your wishes. Another problem is it could be a burden on your family and cause a rift as family members begin to argue over possessions or what they think your wishes would have been. More than likely this is not what you want for your family.

As a young adult, you might think you don’t have much in the way of assets. But it is possible you may have a savings account, antiques, a vehicle. This can include digital assets such as music, photos, PayPal accounts. Even though this may not seem like much, it is a good start. You can always revise your will and add assets and beneficiaries throughout your life. Deciding what age you want to start writing a will is up to you, but in the long run, you won’t regret starting early.

One benefit, other than the obvious, is you can name an executor to your estate. This person will be in charge of carrying out your wishes, giving you peace of mind knowing your family will be okay. Another great thing is you can choose a guardian to care for your minor children, and the state of Texas allows the creation of a trust for the care of pets, called a pet trust. Another thing to keep in mind is having a valid will can make the probate process go smoothly. In the state of Texas, there are a few requirements that must be recognized to be a valid will, such as, age, mental capacity, and witnesses. Speak with an experienced Estate Planning and Probate attorney for more information or any questions you have. Even though you have expressed your wishes to your family verbally or you assume they automatically know what you what, it is in your best interest to have a will in place.

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie

You can’t go wrong by putting your family first. You’ve worked hard for what you have, and you want to leave it to your loved ones. The reality is your family will be going through a hard time, and it is not fair to put them through any conflict that will arise in the absence of a will. Contact the attorneys at Edmondson Law, PLLC today if you have any questions about drafting a will or questions about your current will. Call our office at 972-442-8326 or visit www.wylietxlaw.com.

Adopting in Texas

January 3, 2019 5:28 PM Tyler Edmondson

Adopting in Texas

Thousands of people and couples make the important decision of adopting each year. Some start out fostering then make the big decision to make it official. There is more than one type of adoption in Texas: stepparent adoptions, agency adoptions, private placement adoptions, and grandparent adoptions. Each type of adoption has its own procedures, requirements, and steps you need to take. And there is no doubt you have numerous questions about each one. Luckily, there are professionals who will help you throughout the process so that you have a successful adoption.

There is a lot that goes into adopting a child, but don’t let that discourage you from changing a child’s life. The adoption process takes time and work. Here is a brief overview of adoption in Texas. Once you have discussed with your partner, if you have one, if adoption is best for you, look for an adoption agency in Texas, such as public or private. Public agencies usually deal with children who are wards of the state and private agencies are typically run by charities and deal with children who have been brought to them by parents seeking to give up the child for adoption. You can get a list of agencies at Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. While all of this can be overwhelming, hiring a professional attorney might not be a bad decision, especially if you are thinking about adopting a family member or stepchild. An attorney can help you navigate any legal paperwork, represent you in court, if necessary, advise you about home studies, and will pay attention to all the details. After you find an agency and meet their requirements, don’t be afraid to ask any questions, such as fees, concerns, health requirements, or financial requirements.

There are a few other details needed before finalizing the adoption. Be ready to provide your caseworker with any information they request, get your home ready for inspection, and expect to undergo a background check. After all the paperwork is complete, and you have met the requirements, the finalization of the adoption can be completed. Before signing the contract, be sure you understand the document and speak with an attorney if you have any questions, choose a child, and after a few days, the adoption agency will make arrangements for you to bring your child home. You will need to attend an adoption hearing, this is typically a simple formality; the judge will ask the adoptive parents questions under oath.

Adoption Attorneys

Adoption is a beautiful experience, but there is no doubt it can also be scary and stressful at times. Unfortunately, legal complications can arise for any reason, so it is important to take the time to ask questions and seek reliable help. The experienced family law team at Edmondson Law, PLLC is here to help you navigate the process and help you welcome your child into your home. For information on how we can assist you or your family, please contact our office at 972-442-8326.

Purpose of a Mechanic’s Lien

December 26, 2018 3:49 PM Tyler Edmondson

Purpose of a Mechanic’s Lien

A mechanic’s lien exists as a way for contractors to collect money for services, labor, and materials on both personal and real property. Filing a mechanic’s lien is necessary to show property owners you mean business about getting paid for your services, and rightfully so. A mechanic’s lien isn’t just for contractors, other skilled laborers or suppliers can file. Unfortunately, this type of circumstance happen. Imagine you spend months building a new attachment to a home. All of the necessary work is done, but the owner refuses to pay the remaining balance. The obvious thing to do is sue for breach of contract, but you could file a mechanic’s lien on their property. In doing so, the information about the debt becomes public. This can affect their credit, ability to sell or refinance the property; it can even threat foreclosure. A contractor can file a lien before the project begins and remove it once the full payment is made, this is the most effective way to guarantee payment. It doesn’t matter how big or small the job is or if you provided materials, the property owner is obligated to pay in full according to the contract. When filing a lien you don’t get paid right away, but it will make it difficult for the owner to do anything with the property. In the state of Texas, a mechanics lien must be filed by a certain date depending on if you are a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier. So, it may be wise to send a monthly notice for each month that you performed work on the property. It takes time to process the paperwork so don’t cut it too close to your monthly deadline. Also, remember that there are special notices for specially made materials (custom made cabinets can’t be used in another home). Keep in mind that leaving a project unfinished won’t force a property owner to pay, but may actually create more legal problems.

Wylie Attorneys Here to Help

You deserve to get paid for your hard work. Laws are put in place to protect you in case property owners refuse to pay you. But if you are new to this or have questions, you will need the expertise of a Texas attorney who knows the law inside an out. The advice from a construction attorney at Edmonson Law, PLLC can keep your construction project moving. Contact Edmondson Law in Wylie by calling 972-442-8326 or visiting www.wylietxlaw.com. We are here to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Information, Not Legal Advice. We provide the information on this website as a public service. The legal landscape is constantly changing and being modified by state law and case law. As a result, we cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and reflective of the most current jurisprudence.

We do not intend this information to be legal advice. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. If you need legal advice, you should contact a lawyer through our number (972) 442-8326 or contact another attorney of your choosing.

Estate Planning Checklist

December 18, 2018 4:31 PM Tyler Edmondson

Estate Planning Checklist

Whether you realize it or not, you have an estate. It may not be elaborate, but if you own a car or home, have a savings or checking account, life insurance, or personal possessions you have an estate. It comprises of everything you own, big or small. And like the millions of people earth, you want to leave everything you own to your loved ones after you die. In order to make sure your wishes are carried out you need to make a plan in advance- an estate plan.

In your estate plan, naming those you want to inherit your things can make life easier for your loved ones. Estate planning is not just about drawing up a will, but you can outline what medical treatments you want to receive if you become incapacitated, name a guardian for minor children, even name a person or persons allowed manage digital files.

Start Your Estate Plan

Getting everything in order can be overwhelming, but having a checklist can make the process run smoothly. Here is a quick overview of what you should do to start your the process of reassuring your loved ones a promising future. The first thing to do is make a full inventory of all your assets. This includes jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and other assets. Gather bank statements, make a list of insurance policies you have, mortgages, and so on. Figure out who and what you want to inherit your assets, list a trusted person to care for your minor children (if you have any), and who you want to be responsible for distributing your assets. When you’re ready to get your estate plan drafted, seek the professional help from an estate planning attorney. Bring all important documents, a list of questions, and anything else they ask you to bring to better plan your estate needs. Another important thing to remember is to update your estate plan as needed.

Plan Your Estate Now

Many people think that estate planning is for wealthy people or for those who have retired. And many put off estate planning because they think they don’t own enough. This type of thinking can leave your family to pick up the pieces when you are gone, which can become an expensive nightmare. With the help of a professional estate planning attorney, you can rest easy knowing your family will be taken care of. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC for guidance and the peace of mind knowing your wishes will be met. Call us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Small Business

December 12, 2018 4:45 PM Tyler Edmondson

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Small Business

Starting a small business is an exciting venture. There are thousands of successful small businesses, but there are as many more that failed. The possibility of not being successful shouldn’t keep you from following your passion, what will keep you going is playing it smart- work smarter, not harder my friend would always say. Business ownership requires a lot of hard work, but once you work out the kinks and avoid common mistakes, you will have a thriving business to pass on to your family.

Making mistakes is a part of life, but so is learning from them. Same goes with running a business. The good news is there are helpful tools and advisors you can get advice from. Here are a few mistakes some owners make that jeopardize the future of their business.

Not planning for a future when you are no longer in the picture. This doesn’t necessarily mean after you die, but maybe when you leave the company to someone else or retire. Accidents happen, and you will want to be prepared. If you leave without a plan in place, it could be difficult for anyone else to take over, or the wrong person could step in your place. You also don’t want to leave inheritance questions or fights among your family as many owners want to leave the business to their children. Be sure everything is in order, and you have a plan laid out.
Not choosing the right business structure can hurt. There are different options, and some can provide more protection from personal liability than others.
Not having a business plan from the beginning. Having a plan can create a roadmap and help you set and achieve goals for your businesses success. It can lead to profitability and possible investors.

Business Law Attorneys in Wylie

As I said, you will make mistakes; there is no way around it. Some will be minor, and others will require a professional to help you with. The goal is to stay out of court, save money, and keep your business going. The attorneys at Edmondson Law, PLLC can help you avoid these and other common mistakes. They can also answer any questions you have while running your business. To get your business off to a good start, contact the offices of Edmondson Law, PLLC to help prepare you for the unexpected and avoid any legal matters in the future. Contact us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com to view the services we provide.

Helpful Co-Parenting Apps

December 4, 2018 3:58 PM Tyler Edmondson

Helpful Co-Parenting Apps

Communication with your ex is essential when children are involved. But having that open dialogue may be difficult especially if you have a grim relationship with your ex. Parenting has its challenges, and you want every tool at your disposal to make things run smoothly. You may not know this, but there is a slew of apps to help you with co-parenting. There is an app for EVERYTHING, so why not one (or 3) to help you and your ex-spouse be better parents together- separately.

This genius technology has made it easier for separated parents to share the responsibility and be on the same page about their children. Babyology listed a few co-parenting apps that will help you and your ex.

SharedCare- This simple app isn’t just great for co-parents but also other carers who are helping or involved in your children’s lives, such as grandparents. SharedCare keeps you in control of every aspect of your kids’ lives, from care arrangements, expenses (including reimbursement requests), sharing news and photos, or just keeping everyone on the same page. Key features include shared calendar, care arrangements, expense recorder, and group news feed.
Parentship- Designed to reduce stress and focus on a shared commitment to raising children in the best way possible, Parentship helps parents better manage emotional distress or ambiguity in order to schedule, communicate and keep track of their activity and custody calendar. Key features include a customized dashboard, reminders, custom calendaring, smart profile, and digital documents.
FamCal- Really handy for all kinds of families – not just those who are co-parenting. A shared calendar, it allows you to share dates, schedules, tasks and notes all in the same place, so everyone is in sync and organized. Key features include a family calendar, lists and tasks, and family notes.

This is a few we listed, visit Babyology for the full list or do some research of your own. There are more apps to read through and choose from; some are free or inexpensive, but well worth the fee. And most of them can be downloaded through either Apple, Android, or both.

Wylie Family Law Attorneys

Our attorneys understand the complexities of family law in the State of Texas. We have years of experience, and you can expect exceptional personal service from our law office. Contact us if you are experiencing a family law matter and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Please call us at 972-442-8326.

Power of Attorney is Important for Young Adults Too

November 27, 2018 3:40 PM Tyler Edmondson

Power of Attorney is Important for Young Adults Too

Most people would think medical power of attorney is meant for “old people.” Well, it is not! Little do they know that having one can prevent a nightmare if a health care emergency occurs. Once your child turns 18, they are legal adults, and it becomes essential to have these documents in place. There is nothing worse than your child suffering an accident, while away at college, and their doctors cannot discuss medical information with you or you cannot make lifesaving decisions. We get it; it is not exactly like your teen is thinking about this, that is why you are here.

Caring for your child’s well being does not stop when they move out. Being a parent is making sure they are ready for the real world and are ready to make hard decisions for themselves. While you cannot force your child to draft or sign a power of attorney, you can at least talk with them and give them a possible scenario where these documents can save their life. Serious situations can escalate into an unpleasant court case, but having these documents ready can take care of the problem. Getting permission from the court is both expensive and time-consuming. Even if you are the one paying for your child’s health insurance, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act keeps you from obtaining medical information about your child. This could all be avoided by planning ahead and speaking with your teen about what a medical power of attorney is and what position it leaves them in.

Healthcare Power of Attorney is a document that names a person who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. This person should be someone that lives close if possible, a person that knows you, someone who displays maturity and displays good judgment. This is why young adults chose a parent as their power of attorney.

Estate Planning Attorney

Again, if your child does not have a healthcare directive in place, you cannot make decisions for them if they become incapacitated. Encouraging your child to put in place a medical power of attorney could save them. To get the ball rolling, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney that has experience in drafting power of attorney. They can help you go through your option and answer any questions you have. Edmondson Law, PLLC has a team of professionals ready to help with your family’s needs. We have years of experience in Estate Planning, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with one of our members by calling 972-442-8326.

Co-Parenting Not Always Easy

November 20, 2018 2:48 PM Tyler Edmondson

Co-Parenting Not Always Easy

Experiencing a divorce is an emotional event that you and your children go through. It is a process that is time and mind consuming, and all you want to do is get through it as soon as possible, unscathed. For some couples, everything runs smoothly, but for others, their situation can drag on, affecting their children. Divorce can become more challenging when both partners are discussing custody of their children. What happens when your ex is using the children to turn against you? A situation like this makes co-parenting difficult. The last thing you want is for your toxic ex to “brain wash” your child into thinking you don’t love them, are not a good parent, or you are to blame for the divorce. This could all stem from your ex’s bitterness or anger.

As parents, our number one job is to protect them physically and emotionally; their well-being is a top priority during a divorce. In most judgment, there is a stipulation on how each parent should behave post-divorce. This basically means that neither parent can do anything to purposely undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent.

The best thing you can do is be the bigger person, be the adult in the situation. beenke.com recommends using OurFamilyWizard website as a tool to help you:

Easily coordinate custody an visitation schedules.
Track and split expenses through an expense log.
Get documented reimbursements through OFWpay.
Keep your kid’s health and school records updated in an information bank.
Send secure messages that cannot be deleted or altered.
Get access to a TON of co-parenting resources.

beenke.com claims that this website is so effective that judges in all 50 states recommend families to use it. The website has also served as a reliable documentation source for court proceedings since all messaging is tamper-proof and stamped with the date, time, and name of the person who sent it. Having all the tools at your disposal to be sure your child has a balanced life is the best thing you can do.

Professional Divorce Attorney

Doing everything you can to protect your children is always on your mind, but can be a challenge when dealing with a toxic ex. Keeping your cool and having an experienced divorce attorney in your corner can help you avoid making emotional decisions. Edmondson Law, PLLC well-versed staff in Texas State Laws governing divorce. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC for their services or advice on your current situation. Call 972-442-8326 or click here www.wylietxlaw.com.

Love For Socks Builds a Business

November 14, 2018 11:52 AM Tyler Edmondson

Love For Socks Builds a Business

The incredible father-son business John’s Crazy Socks was erected after co-founder John Lee Cronin need to figure out what he was going to do after high school at Huntington High School and attending Wilson Tech where he studied retailing and customer service. Unlike many of his peers, Cronin’s career options were a bit limited as he was born with Down syndrome and nothing seemed to peak his interests. John turned to his father Mark to go into business with by saying, “I want to go into business with you.” The two needed to come up with a business and one that they would both love. John had the idea of starting a food truck business inspired by the movie “Chef” where a father-son duo works together in a food truck business. John and Mark had a problem though, neither could cook. This did not keep the two from concocting more ideas. Until their “ah-ha” moment. “Let’s sell socks,” John suggested. Not just any socks, crazy socks. John has always had a love for wacky, crazy socks throughout his life. His father says, “John has always had a sense of his own style.”

The two did not exactly have a business plan but went through the steps of starting a small business by opening bank accounts and filing with the State of New York. The only marketing the pair did was Facebook and videos John did talking about his socks. They had intended to launch their online store at 10 a.m., but the website unexpectedly crashed and did not open until 3 p.m. Despite the delay, the two were met with local orders that were delivered personally by John. By the end of the first month, they had shipped 452 orders and earned more than $13,000 in revenue. The company carries socks from over 20 different suppliers, and the socks they design are the most successful.

The company donates two dollars from every awareness sock sale, such as Autism Awareness Socks and Down Syndrome Awareness Socks, to the company’s charity partners and John’s Crazy Socks also donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics. They not only donate to charities, but they also hire people with differing abilities as well. They stay true to their mission: we want to spread happiness. Not just to their customers or charities, but to their employees by giving them a chance.

Need Help with Building Your Business

This successful duo found a career that they love and can do as a family. If you are starting a small business or have any questions about your current business, you will need help from a professional attorney. The staff at Edmondson Law, PLLC has years of experience that can advise you in any business venture. Deciding how to configure your new business will have implications that touch on many different areas. We can assist by providing advice and representation for all types of business transactions that impact your new business. Contact us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com for more information about our practices.