First Admitted: 1995, Alabama

Professional Webpage: https://bls-legal.com/about-austin-estate-planning-law-firm/...

Bar/Professional Activity:

State Bar of Texas, 2015
Alabama State Bar, 1995
Tennessee Bar Association, 2005

Special Licenses/Certifications:

Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2021

Pro bono/Community Service:

Charitable Gift Planners, Board Member, 2022
Austin Shakespeare, Board Member and Treasurer, 2022
AGE of Central Texas, Board Member and President, 2018

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Arts, Economics and Sociology, Rice University, 1987

Scholarly Lectures/Writings:

The paper provides an overview and examples of essential provisions for Wills and for Trusts as well as an overview and examples of customized provisions to draft documents for unique client situations, such as business owners, special needs family members, unique assets, disinheriting someone, blended families, trust protectors, and a variety of other circumstances. Presentation included a discussion of key provisions and guidance for drafting administrative provisions in Wills and Trust documents., Drafted and presented paper at Estate Planning and Drafting Continuing Legal Education Course, A Watched Pot Never Boils, But You Better Watch Your Boilerplate, State Bar of Texas CLE, Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Estate Administration, Probate, Special Needs Trusts, 2023
Reviewed changes in recent tax legislation and how it may impact estate planning and charitable giving, Speaker/Panelist, Impact of the TCJA Tax Legislation on Charitable Giving, Charitable Gift Planners, Development Officers, Financial Advisors, CPA's, 2018
Presentation on major issues in estate planning and probate law for non-probate attorneys., Speaker, Wills & Probate: Major Issues, University Of Texas Bar CLE, 2017
Presentation on administration of Special Needs Trusts at annual conference for the Special Need Alliance, Speaker/Panelist, Distribution Provisions from the Trustee’s Perspective, Special Needs Alliance; Lawyers, CPA's, Bankers And Trust Officers, 2014
Presentation on hot topics in estate planning and probate law for young lawyers section of Austin Bar Association., Speaker, Death, Dying and Disability: Planning to be the Life of the Cocktail Party, Austin Bar Association, Young Lawyers CLE, 2017

Firm News (Newsletters):

Advice to blended families regarding planning to take care of themselves and their loved ones and what happens if you fail to plan., Blended Families and Minor Children, Families And Clients Needing Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts, Gift Planning, Probate Or Estate Administration

Industry Groups:

Business Owners
Caregivers
Families
Individuals

Karen G. Ashworth