Welcome to the April Issue of the Texas Elder Law E-Letter

We are planning 2 (two) Estate Planning Essentials Workshops this month.  The first Estate Planning Essentials Workshop will be on April 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. until noon. The second Estate Planning Essentials Workshop will be on April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. until noon.

Registration for the workshops can be made by calling us at (214) 720-0102 or signing up online.

Attendees often ask questions about estate planning, probate, Medicaid and Veterans benefits. We proceed to answer the questions over the course of the workshop (although there will be a presentation also).

Michael B. Cohen was a guest speaker for the DFW Behavioral Symposium Panel Event which was held on March 28, 2025.  The panel consisted of professionals that serve geriatric patients and their families. Some of the topics discussed were chronic loneliness, disconnection, addiction, mental health issues, dementia, safeguarding seniors from predators and predatory practices and home care. 

He will also be speaking for the Texas Bar at the Advanced Elder Law Conference held on April 3, 2025 in Houston, TX.

Please note that Michael B. Cohen’s radio show on estate planning and elder law can be heard on KAAM (770 AM) on Mondays and Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Prior shows (topics are categorized) can be heard as podcasts on SoundCloud and as indicated on our website www.dallaselderlawyer.com. Our podcasts can also be heard on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to be notified of future releases. 

Michael B. Cohen's Latest Blogs

Charles Manson’s Helter-skelter Probate Estate War Continues

Will the battle over Charles Manson’s $1 million estate last longer than the time Manson spent in prison (Manson actually spent 47 years in jail until his death in 2017)? The court case has been ongoing for over 7 years.

Government Assistance for Care Could Depend on Homestead Definition- Homestead Resource Exclusion Differences Between Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits

Public benefits (such as long-term care Medicaid and non-service-connected disability benefits for wartime veterans or his or her surviving spouse) are “means-tested”. In other words, the government looks at your resources when you apply to determine if you are eligible for the government to help pay for care.

Homestead Protection Under Texas and Federal Laws

The most valuable asset that many own is their home. However, sometimes creditors sue to collect debts such as credit card bills, medical bills, personal loans, etc. Bankruptcy can protect your homestead from unsecured creditors – especially if you choose a Texas bankruptcy exemption.

Common-law Marriage Proof Paramount in Inheritance, Divorce and Other Legal Rights

Although a common-law spouse has the same protections and rights as a traditional ceremonial marriage, proof is often required of marriage to be afforded such marital rights, protections and privileges under Texas law.

3 Ways to Probate a Will if Decedent Lives Outside Texas at Time of Death But Owns Property in Texas

It is not unusual for someone who lives in another state at the time of his or her death but owns real estate (including mineral interests) or other tangible personal property such as livestock, vehicles, collectables or business interests in Texas.

8 Texas Homestead Property Tax Exemptions

Since Texas has no state income tax (not to mention any inheritance tax), property taxes have been historically higher here than in most states. The previous Texas legislative session addressed this by increasing the homestead exemption for school district taxes from $40,000 to $100,000 (as of year 2025).

PS: Don’t miss out on Michael B. Cohen's latest podcasts!

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12201 Merit Drive, Dallas TX 75251
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