Elysium Law, PLLC

01/28/2026

Some figures to know for 2026:

💸The estate and gift tax exclusion amount has increased to $15M per person -- this is the amount you can give away without incurring federal tax.

🎁The annual gift exclusion is $19,000 per person -- this is the amount you can gift to someone without incurring gift tax or using your lifetime exclusion amount.

🧑‍🎓🏥 If you make payments for qualifying tuition and medical expenses directly to the institution or provider, this does not incur a gift tax and can be paid in addition to the annual gift exclusion amount.

💰If you take the standard deduction, you can claim an above-the-line deduction for cash contributions up to $1,000 (individual) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) made directly to a public charity. If you take an itemized deduction, you can only deduct charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of your adjusted gross income.

🧐It's important to review your estate and gift plans in light of changes in law, your financial situation, and personal circumstances.

By Katherine Lickteig, Estate Planning Attorney in Austin, Texas

11/27/2025

🦃✨ This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for the chance to help you secure your family's future. Remember to take a moment to appreciate your loved ones and the importance of planning ahead. Let's make sure your legacy shines bright! 🌟❤️

11/15/2025

🌟 Happy National Philanthropy Day! 🌟 Beginning in 2026, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, non-itemizing taxpayers can get a deduction of up to $1,000 for a single filer or $2,000 for married filing jointly for charitable cash gifts. This is a great opportunity to give to the causes important to you and get an additional tax deduction.

Charitable gifts can be made during your lifetime and through your estate plan. Adding them to your estate plan allows you to leave a legacy that reflects your values.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. While my husband was in the Navy, he was deployed countless times, and our boys loved watching him fly home. I understand the unique needs of military families after years of living the lifestyle and many cross-country and overseas moves.

If you are a retired or active duty military member or spouse, and you need a simple will or power of attorney, you can take advantage of free legal assistance at the closest base legal office.

If you have more complex estate planning needs – for instance, if you have substantial assets, large life insurance policies, real estate in more than one state, a blended family, a non-citizen spouse, or want to leave a legacy trust – you can establish a more comprehensive plan with an attorney licensed in your state of residence. Nowadays, with the ability to conduct meetings over video teleconference, it is easier than ever to work with an attorney located in another state or country. And it is possible to sign legal documents from your state of residence with a notary and witnesses in another state or even overseas.

Many veterans and military members have unique needs when it comes to estate planning, so be sure to review your plan to ensure it reflects your current needs and wishes, and if you don’t have a plan yet, it’s important that you establish one to protect your legacy. For a free initial consultation, call (512) 791-1826 to schedule an appointment.

10/04/2025

Only about 32% of Americans have a will, and unfortunately, this statistic has been declining in recent years. If you are one of the 68% without a will, you are leaving your family unprotected and your hard-earned legacy at risk. While it might be uncomfortable to confront the risk of death, it is essential to establish an estate plan to protect your loved ones. As a bonus, it also protects you in case of incapacity.

09/26/2025

If you are traveling out of town and leaving your kids behind, be sure their caretakers are able to access medical care and activities for them while you are away. Texas has a free resource - the Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative or Voluntary Caregiver. Here's an article with more information about this and a link to the form:

https://texaslawhelp.org/article/authorization-for-nonparent-care-of-a-child

08/30/2025

August is National Make-a-Will Month, which serves as a reminder that having a will is essential for everyone, regardless of age or wealth. It ensures that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be taken care of after you're gone. If you don't have a will, let this be a reminder to take action. If you already have a will, review it to be sure it is up-to-date and reflects your wishes. Don't delay securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones.

07/30/2025

Tip of the day: if you have a pending divorce and want to ensure your soon-to-be-ex does not get your assets or make decisions for you, it's important to update your estate plan ASAP. Until you have a final divorce decree, your spouse qualifies as an heir and can still take under your will.

07/18/2025

If you know someone who is experiencing cancer and needs a basic will and powers of attorney, please share this free resource with them. They can complete a questionnaire here:
https://cancerlawclinic.org/?trk=public_post-text

05/29/2025

You might need an estate plan if you...

💰 have assets,
👶 have children,
🏥 want your medical wishes to be honored,
🐶 want to ensure your pets are cared for,
🏛️ want to avoid court or minimize probate costs,
💸 want to leave money to charity,
♿ want to plan for disability or incapacity, and
⛪ want to ensure your last wishes are honored.

Basically, everyone needs an estate plan to protect themselves, their families, and their assets. If you need help creating your first estate plan or updating your most recent estate plan, please add this to your summer to do list and reach out for assistance.

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

As we reflect on their courage and dedication, it's also a time to consider the legacy we'll leave behind for our loved ones. Estate planning is a crucial step to ensure your wishes will be respected and your family will be taken care of. This Memorial Day, take a moment to think about how you can protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for those you care about.

Some of the steps you can take include:
🌟 make a will and trust,
🌟 review your beneficiary designations, and
🌟 plan for medical care.