*This article is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.* Back in December, I gave a presentation on estate planning at the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show Commodity Symposium. The High Plains Journal recently wrote an article outlining the presentation and the advice that I provided to participants.  Importantly, I discussed the false premise that many people believe–if one spouse dies without a will, all assets are transferred to the surviving spouse–and explained the problems that could be caused by intestate distribution of assets.  Additionally, I… Read More →

**This article is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.** Question:  I don’t need a will.  If I die without a will, don’t all of my assets just go to my spouse? Answer:  No!  Let me repeat myself because this is important.  No!  This is a common misconception that can lead to serious family problems down the road. If a person dies without a will, every state has statutes (called “intestate succession statutes”) that control the distribution of that person’s estate.  (Importantly, not all assets pass through an… Read More →