Sandra Ard

As 2026 approaches, Texans everywhere are preparing for a fresh start — new goals, new routines, and new plans for the year ahead. But before the calendar turns, there’s one area that deserves just as much attention as budgeting or New Year’s resolutions: your family’s legal and long-term protection. Life can change quickly. A health scare, a sudden fall, a family transition, or an unexpected financial shift can turn an ordinary year into a crisis. Year-end is the perfect moment to slow down,...

As the year winds down and families gather for Christmas, most conversations revolve around gifts, travel plans, and food. But the holidays also bring something far more meaningful: time together and a reminder of how quickly life can change. This season naturally invites reflection — and that makes it one of the best times to think about the future. While it’s not a typical holiday topic, many families discover that the most valuable gift they can give isn’t something wrapped at all. It’s...

When 68-year-old Marjorie went in for a “routine” surgery, her family expected her home by the weekend. Instead, complications left her unable to speak and unable to understand basic instructions. Her daughter, Elise, told the doctors she wanted to help — only to be told she had no legal authority to make decisions or even receive detailed medical information. In that moment, Elise realized something heartbreaking: even though she was Marjorie’s only child, the hospital couldn’t legally...