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Business Columnist

Ronald Lipman

Ronald Lipman, of Houston law firm Lipman & Associates, is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The information in his column is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not as legal advice. Readers with legal problems, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances.

Stories By Ronald Lipman

I found an old life insurance policy, can I still collect on it?

I found a paid-up $20,000 life insurance policy that never was claimed following my mother's death. Is there a statute of limitations? Ronald Lipman

Lipman: Are executor commissions taxable?

Consider using the IRS interactive tax assistant if you have questions or need more information. Ronald Lipman

TODD should still be valid despite no longer being in use

The problem with an error on a TODD is that once a title company gets involved, you will no longer be alive and therefore unavailable to sign a correction. Ronald Lipman

Beneficiaries entitled to accounting from trustee

A trustee's report must include a listing of trust assets, receipts, expenditures and distributions, plus more information. Ronald Lipman

With few assets, this estate won't go though probate

I am the executor and beneficiary in the will of a friend who has no surviving family. The friend has almost no assets. Do I have to probate his will when it will only cost me to do so? Ronald Lipman

Things to consider when gifting an income property

Before you make a gift of that size, consider the consequences to your gift. If you are earning money from the building, that income will then belong to your son once he owns the building. Ronald Lipman

Lipman: Decades-old wills may need updating

The tax laws were very different in the 1970s, and updated wills may be appropriate. Ronald Lipman

Does a dentist really need your medical history?

Q: My dentist recently asked for my complete medical history. How much am I required by law to provide to him? A: The Texas Administrative Code provides that dentists must have records that contain documentation of each patient's "medical... Ronald Lipman

Tips for finding the right estate attorney

Many consumers have no idea what probate should cost. Ronald Lipman

When withdrawing from a joint account triggers a gift

Q: From time to time, I transfer money from a joint checking account I have with my husband to my son's account, which is a joint account with my name on it. My son is 25 and in graduate school. Last year, I transferred $32,000 to my son's... Ronald Lipman

This executor is cagy about a promised inheritance

Q: My uncle recently died. A few years ago, he gave a list of investment accounts and life insurance policies to my mother and her sister, telling them that they were the beneficiaries on these accounts and policies. A nephew is the executor of... Ronald Lipman

Making sure auto title passes cleanly to heirs

Q: I am interested in transferring my car to my two daughters when I die. When I printed the form that I found online, it said my total estate needs to be less than $75,000 to use the form. What should I do if my estate will be more than... Ronald Lipman

How estate tax changes may affect gifts in 2023

Q: Are the gift and estate tax laws changing in 2023? A: The laws did not change, but the dollar amounts you can give away have increased significantly because of the effects of high inflation last year. The lifetime exemption from gift... Ronald Lipman

Ways estate planning can smooth the the path for heirs

Q: My wife and I have about $1.5 million in retirement funds in IRA and 403b accounts. Since we don’t need the income, we only take the required minimum distributions from these accounts. Our estate is currently set up for all of our assets to... Ronald Lipman

Protecting an inherited IRA in the event of divorce

An IRA inherited by a child starts out as separate property. Over time, parts of it can transform into community property, unless special steps are taken. Ronald Lipman

Lipman: Wrapping up a parent's estate despite a difficult sibling

You can't force your sister to sign a receipt and release. Ronald Lipman

Lipman: The right attorney is key in elder and consumer cases

Ronald Lipman fields questions about elder care, same-sex partner benefits and the sale of a vintage car that hasn't had a smooth road. Ronald Lipman

Lipman: Traveling with grandchild requires no documentation -- until you leave U.S.

If you are traveling within the United States, your grandchild is not required to have any form of identification. But if you are planning to travel outside the United States, your grandchild will need to have a passport. Ronald Lipman

Should we change the primary holder of our accounts?

A reader writes, 'For estate planning and personal reasons, we want to change the account to my wife's Social Security number. Will this change attract any IRS attention? Will we need to get a new account number?' Ronald Lipman

What documents should you hold onto after a relative dies?

A reader asks, 'My mother died in October 2021. What documents of hers should I maintain and for how long?' Ronald Lipman