Effective January 1, 2014, Texas has fully adopted the Texas
Estates Code. This “new” set of statutes
is a recodification of the former Texas Probate Code, Texas Trust Act, and a
number of related statutes contained in the Texas Health & Safety Code and
other statutes.
Although most of the provisions remain unchanged – save for
a new citation – you should make sure to check your estate planning forms to
ensure that they remain effective and comply with any new requirements. In particular, the new Estates Code has made
some changes to the Statutory Durable Power of Attorney form (the power of
attorney for financial affairs).
We also recommend updating your estate planning documents –
including powers of attorney forms – whenever you have experienced a
significant “life event,” such as the birth or adoption of a child, marriage,
divorce, or the death of a relative or significant other.
By: Cynthia W. Veidt, cindy@lpvlaw.com