Child Support- Senate Bill 550

According to Star-Telegram, child support changes in Texas have gone into effect which will require parents who pay child support to start providing dental insurance. This is an addition to the already required health insurance they need to provide for their kids.

Annette Hernandez, communications director for the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division, says not everyone will be affected by this law right away.

“It’s really important to make sure the public understands this is not something to panic about,” she said. “This is not an automatic change. This is dictated by the courts.”

There were more than 1.5 million open cases across the Lone Star State, according to new statistics provided by the Texas Attorney General’s office. The law going into effect comes from Senate Bill 550, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2015. This Senate Bill’s purpose is to provide dental aid to children if it can be acquired at a reasonable cost, which means the cost should not be more than 1.5 percent of the annual income for the parent paying child support.

New cases requiring child support likely will require the parent making payments to provide dental insurance for their child. But if child support payments already are underway and health insurance already is being provided, if there’s no separate financial change for the parent receiving the payments, a request for dental insurance isn’t enough of a reason to bring that case to court, Hernandez said.

“It’s not an automatic thing,” she said. “Customers who already have ongoing child support obligations have to request a modification of their case. … They can’t be modified solely on the addition of dental support.”

Hiring a Child Support Attorney

The attorneys at Edmondson Law, PLLC understand that this area of law can be complex and we encourage you to seek the professional help of a family law attorney. We are experienced in obtaining the best results for your case involving your children. So, if you are looking for a trusted advocate who will provide quality legal representation, contact us today and schedule a free consultation. We are here to answer any questions you may have to help put your mind at ease regarding your family.

 

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.

Handling the Unexpected

the balance– It is something that is very tragic, and most people don’t typically want to think about, but unfortunately losing a spouse or a loved one happens. This was something that was not anticipated and may have caught you completely by surprise. This may leave you in charge of handling their estate. Some steps need to be taken in order to avoid frustrations and costly mistakes. Tisha Diffie, founder of After the Fact – Final Affairs, LLC, understands the challenge of having to handle the process correctly and has some helpful tips that will help get you through it.

5 Things That Should be Done Right Away

Tisha believes by getting these five things done will help prevent identity theft. By not doing this right away, it can catch up to you later.

• Call the three credit agencies and put a fraud alert on their Social Security number.
• Run a final credit report on the deceased from all three credit agencies.
• Keep the primary credit card and the deceased drivers’ license with you.
• Punch a hole in their driver’s license and passport.
• Get all the paperwork together for the insurance companies.

Outstanding items or open accounts can also leave you dealing with debt collectors. One of Tisha’s clients didn’t cancel anything, change names, or looked for missing money after her husband passed. This caused the client to receive collection notices, calls and letters. These types of instances can be overwhelming.

5 Things That Should Not be Done Right Away

While there are important things to be done as soon as possible, there are some that shouldn’t.

• Don’t cancel the deceased’s primary phone right away.
• Don’t cancel the primary credit card right away.
• Don’t inform everyone about the death right away.
• Don’t put an obituary in the newspaper unless it’s necessary, and then keep it simple.
• Don’t make any major decisions without consulting a professional first.

By leaving phone numbers available, you will be able to receive important calls, and by leaving credit card accounts open, you will be able to see any memberships or recurring items that need to be canceled.

Seek Professional Help

Another important thing to keep in mind is don’t assume someone is handling the final closing process and other affairs. You can’t expect hospitals to let health providers know about the death or assume that since a will and trust is completed that everything is done. It is easy to become overwhelmed and make mistakes when dealing with this situation. Seeking professional help is the best way to be sure that everything is handled legally and properly. We encourage you to seek legal help from a trusted Estate Planning attorney at Edmondson Law, PLLC. We have years of experience and are committed to providing trusted care to our clients. 

 

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.

Have You Considered Getting a Will?

Have you considered getting a will? It is something that everyone contemplates. It’s something that people procrastinate on and don’t ever actually get it. This is somewhat tragic as many people leave this world unexpectedly and they don’t have a will in place. This is very problematic as it’s a massive headache for their family who is left behind. This is already a very trying time for your family so why would you want to make it more difficult for them? We understand you don’t want to do this to your family. You want to make this time as easy as possible for them. The only way to indeed accomplish this is to make sure that your final wishes are known and that a will is in place and done by a professional. This way your family doesn’t have to worry about going through probate court or bickering amongst themselves as they speculate what you may or may not have wanted.

The Steps to Get a Will

There are specific steps that you need to go through in order to get a will. First and foremost what you need to do is to run a tally of your estate. See what you have and how you would like your estate to be broken up. You also need to get all of your bank statements together and everything that reflects all of your assets. And finally, you need to see a lawyer that specializes in Estate Planning. This is the most crucial step. A lawyer that specializes in Estate Planning is going to be able to expertly help guide you through the legal system of getting a will in place. The lawyer will also offer helpful advice all along the way so that you do not feel like you’re doing this on your own. Many people procrastinate on getting a will because they think that they cannot afford, or it would be a lengthy and challenging process. Little do they know that Estate Planning attorneys offer their services to put your mind at ease at a reasonable price. They also go through this process thoroughly to be sure they meet your needs and that you understand every step.  

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie, Texas

If you decide that you want to get a will consider seeing a responsible, reliable, and experienced attorney. You will want to be prepared for what happens after you pass away and you will want to make the process as painless as possible on your family. You will need to get with the law firm that not only specializes in Estate Planning but also has years of experience. Edmondson Law, PLLC located in Wylie, Texas is one such law firm. Edmondson Law has been the standard for the region for many years. Edmondson Law also has a friendly and accommodating staff will make you feel welcome while you’re in the office. So if you are considering getting a will in place then do not delay and contact Edmondson Law, PLLC today at 972-442-8326 for more information and to schedule a consultation.

 

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.

Do You Have a Last Will and Testament?

Many people question why they need a Last Will and Testament. This question is perfectly reasonable as many people think that they have plenty of time to get their affairs in order before they become ill, unable to mentally make decisions, or pass away. And with that in mind, many may feel that there’s no need for them to put together a will early on in their lives. The sad reality, however, is that you never know when the inevitable is coming. That means that you could potentially be in an accident tomorrow, or some other unforeseen events occur, that will force you to leave this world earlier than you had anticipated. An accident could also leave you in a position where you can not let your loved ones know what your last dying wishes are. That is why it is essential to get a will as soon as possible. This is a very tough time for your family, and you do not want to make it harder due to the legal complications of you not having your final wishes established in the legally binding document.

The Process of a Last Will and Testament

Getting a Last Will and Testament can be a complicated process for one to undertake alone. Keep mind, however, it is a critical process. There are several websites out there that will have individual to believe they can do this on their own. These type of sites make it seem like individuals can get a legally binding document created from the comfort of your own home; this is not true. A document that you create on your own from a website is not going to have the same legal precedents as an actual will that was drafted by an attorney that has been bar approved by the state. So, to create a Last Will and Testament, you need to develop a list of all your assets that you currently have. You need to really stop and think about how you want these assets dispersed upon your departure. Then you need to go to an attorney that specializes in Estate Planning and Wills. This way you will have the peace of mind knowing that your final wishes will be understood and you do not have to worry about putting your family through unnecessary difficulties.

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie, Texas

There are other necessary steps to be taken in the process of finalizing you will. To ensure peace of mind, it is important to seek an attorney who has years of knowledge and experience. Edmondson Law, PLLC is a law firm this specializes in Estate Planning and will be able to help you create a will. W. Tyler Edmondson and his staff have several years of experience in creating Last Will and Testaments and are more than happy to work closely with you. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC today at 972-442-8326 and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

 

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.

Understanding Advance Directives

The Directive to Physicians, or advanced directives, is a legal document that allows you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care while you are still alive. The directive provides a way for you to have your wishes known to the family, friends, and healthcare providers. This is all so that you can avoid the confusion later on when you are no longer able to make your own decisions. It should be noted that Texas law now allows for an option where a person’s signature can be acknowledged by a notary rather than witness signatures. This also includes digital or electronic signatures on such things as Directive to Physicians, out of hospital do not resuscitate order and medical power of attorney.

Different Directives

Keep in mind there are several types of directives. A kind of directive is the Medical Power of Attorney. This document gives the individual that you name as your agent or authority to make all of your health care decisions based on your wishes. Directive to Physicians is a form that is designed to assist you in communicating how you want your medical treatment to be undertaken at some point in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known. The next is a Declaration of Mental Health Treatment. This document allows you to make decisions about your mental health treatment in advance. With this directive, the instructions can only be followed if the court actually believes that you are incapacitated to make your own medical decisions. There is also the Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Directive. This essentially makes it to where healthcare professionals who go to your home in case of emergency forgo resuscitation and allow the patient to have a natural death with peace and dignity.

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie, Texas

These are all tough decisions to make but are very important. It is highly possible that you will reach a point in your life that you are no longer able to make your own decisions. Just like a will is essential, so is having all of your documents in order in advance to avoid confusion and make the transition of your state as seamless as possible. It is advised by the state of Texas that you have your attorney review the law in Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166 for more details on the above directives. Edmondson Law, PLLC specializes in estate planning and directives and will assist you in this process. If you need help with an advance directive, then do not delay and call the professional staff of Edmondson Law today.

 

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.

The Cost of Getting Documents in Order

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people procrastinate on getting a will, or any other piece of estate planning measures for that matter, is the fact that they think that they cannot afford to get a will. This is a reality that many people face, and it’s a troubling problem. If you do not invest in getting a will put in place, then it is going to cost your family much more later on. It could mean leaving your loved ones without an inheritance or knowing your final wishes. The most important reason to write a will is so that you can ensure that your estate is distributed in the way that you want it to be. It would probably cost your relatives far more to sort out your estate if you were to die without one. Being put off by the cost of writing a will is one of the reasons why many people are unprepared and leave their estate in disarray.

The Importance of a Will

Despite the socioeconomic ramifications of one’s inability to pay for legal services, one must truly understand that a will is perhaps one of the most important documents you can have lined out. The will has your final wishes on paper and is disputable. The death of a family member can tear families apart as they bicker over what the deceased may have wanted. This is not what you want to leave behind is your legacy. At the same time, we understand that you cannot simply wish a will in place. That’s why we think that is very important and our civic duty to the community is to offer affordable legal services making it much easier for people to get wills in place that maybe might not have otherwise. We believe that finances should not get in the way of your peace of mind.

Affordable Estate Planning Services in Wylie, Texas

We here at Edmondson Law understand the daily struggles of people in this modern era. We also understand how important it is for people to have their affairs in order. It’s for this reason the Edmondson provides expert legal services at affordable rates. This makes it possible for anyone to come in and speak with us and get a will or other documents in place, so they no longer have to worry. So, if you do not think that you can afford to get a will, then you really should think again and give Edmondson Law, PLLC a call today and see what we can do for you. You will be surprised how easy and affordable this entire process can actually be.

 

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.

When Should You Get a Will?

Planning for the end of your life and making sure that your affairs are in order is a bleak prospect indeed. Many of us don’t want to think of the end, and so because of that; the will gets move down on the list of priorities. This is perfectly understandable and common. You are not alone in this as many people “drag their feet” and question when the right time to get a will or updating an existing will. Some life-changing events occur which should serve as a reminder that is time to either set up a will or at least update the will. Keep in mind with these life events, the age as to which they should occur is not precise and so perhaps instead of sticking to a particular age, it would be simpler to mark the process to certain life events.

Life Events That Serve As a Catalyst

These life events that are about to be mentioned are simply suggestions and not necessarily doctrine. In that same vein if you can think of other life events that should serve as a catalyst be on this list then definitely bring them into consideration when it’s time to either create or update a will. The first life-changing event to think about is getting married or getting divorced for that matter. These events do reflect a change in your personal relationship and your life which will also include who your beneficiaries are. The next life-changing event is very similar, and that is having children. As you have children, you are going to want to leave them your worldly possessions upon your death. So just like getting married having children should serve as another moment when you should really consider getting or updating your will. Starting a business or buying a home is another moment when you should consider getting a will or updating one. And of course a visit with mortality. If you or one of your family members had a recent brush with death, this should serve as a good reminder that perhaps it’s time to update your will.

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie, Texas

If you have recently experienced any of these life-changing events and think that perhaps it’s time for you to create or update a will, you are going to want an expert law firm that understands estate planning in Texas law. Our team at Edmondson Law will be able to help you through the process so that you can rest easy knowing that your will is legally binding and secure. Edmondson Law has been serving the Wylie community for years now and will be able to assist the residents of this area with this sometimes difficult process.

 

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.

What Is Your Legacy?

You’ve worked hard your entire life. You’ve made wise investments and done everything in your power to create a lovely estate. This estate is essentially your legacy. It’s the legacy that you intend to leave to your children, something to mark the success of your life. So you may ask yourself, “What is your legacy?” Is your legacy that you’re going to leave your heirs a profitable estate that will have a smooth transition? Or is your legacy going to be a headache for your heirs and they have to fight with the state in regards to how the estate is going to be broken up, and how your final arrangements are going to be handled? This is an earnest question that must be addressed fully.

How to Ensure Your Legacy

Another question you may ask yourself is how do you ensure your legacy? The answer is quite simple. The most important thing to do is make sure that you have a will in place. If you don’t have a will in place, then your estate is going to have to go through the court process headed by the state itself to determine how your estate is going to be broken up. This is going to turn into a huge hassle and make a painful process that much more painful for your heirs. The best way to ensure your legacy is to make sure that your final wishes are known to all. The best way to make sure that your final wishes are known to all is to create a will. By creating a will, everyone will know exactly how you want your estate broken up. This way there will be no conflict or question as to what your wishes are.

Estate Planning Attorney in Murphy, Texas

The best way to ensure that your will is in place and is legally binding is to work through an attorney that specializes in estate planning. Edmondson Law located in Wylie, Texas serves the region of Murphy and has years of estate planning experience. Edmondson will be able to help you write up a will that you know will ensure a smooth transition of your estate and solidify your legacy. So, if you are ready to get a will in place then don’t delay and call Edmondson Law today at 972-442-8326 for more information.

 

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.

Reasons Why People Don’t Get Wills

There are many reasons why people don’t get Wills, and this can be very problematic to the family members that are left behind. One reason people don’t get Wills is they think that they don’t need one at this point. They may feel they are too young and that nothing will happen to them until they are much older. They may also have the thought that there is plenty of time to write up a Will. They could also be thinking that their lives are too busy that they cannot take time out of the day to get this very important document lined out. Perhaps the biggest reason why people do not get wills, however, is that they’re afraid that they won’t be able to afford it. It is definitely no secret that law services can be very pricey. Many people would just assume that they cannot afford it, instead of looking into it. That’s why one must really consider the cost now opposed to the cost later. That is your first mistake. How do you know something cost too much if you haven’t even looked into it? The reality is that you don’t know, so you may be avoiding getting a Will for nothing.

Getting It Done

If you know that a loved does not have a Will in place, the first thing you need to do is explain that it’s never too early to get a Will. Even though they may be in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, you never know when something might happen, and they may leave this world unexpectedly. As for the second, this will take a bit more force. You need to be blunt with the individual and state that if they can’t make time now, their loved ones could suffer in the future. Make the time, schedule more than one appointment if necessary. As for the final reason, the easiest solution is to shop around. You don’t know how much law services are going to cost until you speak with the lawyer. Never be apprehensive to see someone and ask questions.

 

Estate Planning Attorney in Wylie, Texas

Edmondson Law, PLLC prides itself on being an affordable law firm that offers top-notch service. So if you think you can’t afford to get a Will or other Estate Planning measures in place then think again and give our office a call. We have years of experience and can work with your schedule so we can meet your needs. We take pride in providing personalized care to your case and are here to fight for your best interests. 

 

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.

Advantages of a Trust

Trusts are an excellent way to manage assets. There are several advantages of a trust that make it a viable option for many people. Some of the benefits of having a trust are that it drastically reduces estate and gift taxes. This means that the state will not hit your heirs with the tax like they usually would. Another big advantage of a trust is that it puts conditions on how or for that matter when your assets inside this trust are distributed upon your departure. A trust is also advantageous as it helps to protect your assets from lawsuits or creditors. Trust also makes it easy to distribute assets to your heirs without the cost, publicity, and delay of the probate court. Another advantage is that you have the power to name a successor trustee who is in charge of managing your trust after you die but is also able to manage the trust if you become too ill to do so.

Trusts are a Great Option

Every situation is certainly different. Not everyone or everyone’s estate is the same. This is what makes the trust so useful. Trusts are very flexible, and they vary and can also be complex. Each type of trust does have its advantages or disadvantages, but this is also good because you can find the right trust that fits what you need perfectly. According to a report by CNN, a trust can run anywhere from $1600 to $3000 to set up this is a lot lower in cost than other estate planning measures. And there is a wide variety of trust that will be able to fit your needs. For example, you have the credit shelter trust, the generation-skipping trust, the qualified personal residence trust, the irrevocable life insurance trust, and the qualified terminable interest property trust. This is just to name a few.

Estate Planning Attorney in Murphy, Texas

As mentioned above there are several trusts that are complex in nature. If you are thinking about getting a trust, the best course of action would be to contact an attorney that specializes in estate planning. Edmondson Law specializes in estate planning and has years of combined experience. We will be able to help you figure out which trust would work for you and assist you in getting the trust set up. So if you are thinking about getting a trust, then your first move should be to contact Edmondson today.

 

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.