RESOURCES

Greg Richards explains how Hill Country heirs can turn conflict over a beloved family ranch into fair outcomes. Owners may: (1) drop undivided interests into an LLC that sets rules for use, income, and generational transfer; (2) survey and split the acreage into equal-value parcels; (3) buy out relatives at a pro-rata, appraised price—often with bank financing; or (4) file a Chapter 23A partition suit, letting a court order a sale or redraw lines if division is feasible.

Estate planning isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Greg Richards explains that an “estate” is whatever you own, big or small. Every adult needs a plan pairing a will—so assets pass as you intend—with durable and medical powers of attorney for times of incapacity. Starting early keeps judges out of your family’s affairs, shields loved ones from costly stress, taxes, and creditors, and keeps your wishes in the driver’s seat. Richards urges Texans to start the conversation to