Crain & Wooley

06/08/2026

An estate plan starts with knowing what exists and where it lives. This checklist walks through inventories, key documents, and review habits that support long-term planning. Read this guide from Crain & Wooley for helpful guidance. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/P9Y2T8I

06/08/2026

“I am going broke trying to keep up my deceased mom’s house. I need to sell it… what is the problem and why aren’t you doing your job?”

Recently, a frustrated client reached out to Crain & Wooley expressing deep — and honestly rightful — frustration regarding the amount of time it is taking to complete a probate matter in Dallas County.

The reality is that probate can often feel like “hurry up and wait.” Many families are shocked to learn that Texas does not have just one probate process. Depending on the circumstances, there are somewhere between 9 and 13 different types of probate proceedings in Texas, each with different requirements, timelines, and court involvement.

And if there is even ONE complicating factor — no will, outdated documents, family conflict, title issues, creditor concerns, missing heirs, or court backlog — families should realistically prepare for the process to take 12–18 months and cost thousands of dollars.

Meanwhile, life keeps happening:
• Mortgage payments continue
• Property taxes continue
• Insurance continues
• Maintenance and repairs continue

Families are often left emotionally grieving while also financially carrying assets they cannot yet easily access or sell.

This is why proactive estate planning matters.

Proper planning can often help families avoid unnecessary probate delays, reduce costs, and create a much smoother transition during already difficult times.

At Crain & Wooley, we believe estate planning is not about fear — it is about protecting your loved ones from avoidable stress, delay, and expense. Learn more here: https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/estate-planning/trusts/ #~b1bdebcc-76dd-4fc3-8b92-824e784f06ed

06/05/2026

Life is unpredictable, which is why it's important to update your estate plan regularly. Fortunately, you can change your plan at any time with the help of an experienced attorney. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/n2r6E2C

06/05/2026

Each week, the Crain & Wooley offices receive calls from overwhelmed successor trustees asking the same question: “Now what do I do?”

Here’s the truth: trusts are WONDERFUL tools. Crain & Wooley loves trusts. But trusts only work well when proper education happens alongside the planning.

Too many families are handed a binder of documents with little to no explanation about how the trust actually operates, what a trustee’s responsibilities are, or what steps need to be taken during incapacity or after death. The result? Confusion, stress, mistakes, and families left trying to figure it all out during emotionally difficult times.

At Crain & Wooley, we believe the true power of a trust is found in education. That is why we provide one-on-one education not only for our clients, but also for successor trustees who may someday step into that role.

A cheap trust that no one understands is not a bargain. In many cases, families end up spending more untangling problems later than they would have spent doing proper planning from the start.

Partnering with an established law firm that takes the time to educate you and your loved ones is worth the investment.

Estate planning is not just about documents. It is about preparation, guidance, and making sure the people you love are equipped to carry out your wishes when the time comes. Learn more here: https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/estate-planning/ #~b1bdebcc-76dd-4fc3-8b92-824e784f06ed

06/04/2026

After a loved one passes, navigating probate can feel overwhelming. Crain & Wooley guides families through estate administration, helping clarify legal steps and responsibilities while ensuring wishes are honored. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/Y7D5R4E

06/03/2026

Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care in Texas if income and asset requirements are met? For guidance on planning and protecting assets, contact Crain & Wooley. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/B6S6O2y

06/03/2026

Around the first of May, a small family-run corporation hired Crain & Wooley to review and renew its corporate bylaws to ensure compliance with current laws and general best practices.

What both the family and our team discovered during the review was surprising: based on the company’s existing voting structure, only ONE viable voting member remained alive.

Situations like this happen more often than people realize. Family businesses are frequently passed down from one generation to the next without fully understanding how the corporation is structured, how voting rights operate, or whether the governing documents still reflect the current realities of the business and family.

Without regular legal review, businesses can unknowingly create major operational, succession, and ownership issues that may not surface until a crisis occurs.

Corporate bylaws are not “set it and forget it” documents. As families grow, leadership changes, and laws evolve, business documents should evolve too.

At Crain & Wooley, we help families and business owners ensure that the legal structure behind the business is just as strong as the business itself. Learn more here: https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/business-law/ #~b1bdebcc-76dd-4fc3-8b92-824e784f06ed

06/02/2026

Jeremy Crew, Senior Attorney at Crain & Wooley, has practiced law in Texas since 2007. He has experience in estate planning, business succession, elder law, and complex probate and property matters. Visit https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/s/r5M4v1n

06/01/2026

Learn how to pick a trustworthy power of attorney to safeguard your estate and loved ones.

Protect your future by selecting the right person for your power of attorney.

06/01/2026

Last month, a daughter contacted Crain & Wooley after receiving the heartbreaking diagnosis that her father was suffering from dementia. She needed access to funds in order to help provide care and manage her Dad’s affairs — but unfortunately, by the time she reached out, Dad one was no longer legally capable of creating or signing Power of Attorney documents.

Now, instead of being able to immediately step in and help, the family is facing the emotional, expensive, and often lengthy adult guardianship process through the court system.

This situation is one we see far too often, and it highlights an important truth: being next of kin does NOT automatically give someone the legal authority to make financial or medical decisions for another adult during times of disability or incapacity.

Properly prepared Power of Attorney documents can help families avoid guardianship proceedings altogether and allow trusted loved ones to act quickly when help is needed most.

Estate planning is not just about what happens after death — it is also about protecting yourself and your family during life’s most difficult moments.

At Crain & Wooley, we help families prepare before a crisis happens. Learn more here: https://www.estateplanningdfw.law/estate-planning/disability-planning/ #~b1bdebcc-76dd-4fc3-8b92-824e784f06ed