Law Office of Michael J. Hengst

Law Office of Michael J. Hengst We are a law firm that helps people with Social Security Disability claims.

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With increased traffic and a rise in impaired-drivi...
09/04/2026

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With increased traffic and a rise in impaired-driving incidents during holiday celebrations, it is important to prioritize safety before heading out on the road.

If your plans include celebrating with alcohol over the holiday weekend, consider arranging a safe ride home in advance. Whether that means using a rideshare service, choosing a designated driver, or staying overnight, planning ahead can help prevent serious accidents and keep everyone safer.

Please note that our office will be closed on Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday morning, and our team will be back to assist you then.

We wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing Labor Day weekend.

Beneficiary designations are a crucial, but often overlooked, part of estate planning. These designations dictate who re...
08/25/2026

Beneficiary designations are a crucial, but often overlooked, part of estate planning. These designations dictate who receives payouts from key financial accounts and can even override what is written in a will. Swipe to learn more.

Ensuring your beneficiary designations are aligned with your estate plan can help. If you need help reviewing or updating your beneficiary designations, contact our office.

Do you know the difference between a last will and testament and a living will? Most people assume they cover similar gr...
08/20/2026

Do you know the difference between a last will and testament and a living will?

Most people assume they cover similar ground because of their similar names, but they actually serve very different purposes, and both are important parts of a complete estate plan. Swipe through for a clear look at what each document does and why you need both.

If you have estate planning questions, reach out to our office today. We are here to help ensure your wishes are fully protected.

Americans are living longer, and that shift is reshaping how we think about estate planning. Recent data shows life expe...
08/13/2026

Americans are living longer, and that shift is reshaping how we think about estate planning. Recent data shows life expectancy in the U.S. has climbed to nearly 79 years, continuing an upward trend after recent declines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means individuals and families must prepare for longer retirements, extended care needs, and more complex planning decisions over time. Swipe through to learn more.

If your current plan does not reflect these realities, or if it has been some time since your last review, now is the time to revisit it. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you plan for the future with confidence.

As estate planning attorneys, it is part of our role to ensure you have the guidance and information you need to make in...
08/06/2026

As estate planning attorneys, it is part of our role to ensure you have the guidance and information you need to make informed decisions about your end-of-life planning.

So, with that in mind, our team wanted to highlight several foundational pillars that every comprehensive estate plan should address. Swipe for more information.

Knowing the basics of estate planning is one of the first steps to creating a strong, protective plan. The next step is working with dedicated estate planning attorneys like our team. We are here to help guide you and your loved ones through the estate planning process and ensure that your wishes are protected. Give the team a call today, and we can get started.

Summer is underway, and many homeowners are opening their pools for family gatherings and summer fun. If your property f...
06/30/2026

Summer is underway, and many homeowners are opening their pools for family gatherings and summer fun. If your property features a pool or you are considering adding one, it is important to understand how pool ownership intersects with safety, liability, and insurance coverage. Swipe to learn more.

If you have questions about pool safety, premises liability, or a specific situation, feel free to reach out. We are here to help you better understand your options and protect your interests.

June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. These observances ser...
06/24/2026

June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. These observances serve as an important reminder to protect the safety, dignity, and independence of older adults in our communities.

Elder abuse and neglect are often hidden, and the signs are not always obvious. Knowing what to look for and what steps to take can make a meaningful difference. Swipe to learn more.

If you are concerned about someone in your life or would like to talk through a situation, please contact us. We are here to listen, explain your options, and help you take the next appropriate step.

Estate planning is not only about distributing assets. It is also about ensuring your loved ones are well-positioned and...
06/15/2026

Estate planning is not only about distributing assets. It is also about ensuring your loved ones are well-positioned and protected. Taking proactive steps now can help create clarity and reduce complications during a challenging time.

There are several important steps that can help safeguard your family and your estate:

🔹 Creating or updating a will that clearly directs how estate assets should be used to satisfy outstanding debts.
🔹 Establishing appropriate trusts to help safeguard certain assets.
🔹 Reviewing beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts, which may allow certain assets to pass outside of probate and avoid being used to satisfy estate debts, depending on state law.
🔹 Evaluating and reducing high-interest or unsecured debt during your lifetime.

Thoughtful planning today can provide stability and peace of mind tomorrow. If you would like to review your estate plan or discuss strategies to protect your loved ones, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Understanding how debt is handled after death is an important part of comprehensive estate planning. Financial obligatio...
06/10/2026

Understanding how debt is handled after death is an important part of comprehensive estate planning. Financial obligations do not simply disappear. In some cases, debts are paid from the estate through the probate process before assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Swipe through to learn more.

If you have questions about how debt may affect your estate plan, contact us to discuss your options.

Regardless of whether you are attending a fireworks show or planning to put on a small display of your own, it is import...
06/02/2026

Regardless of whether you are attending a fireworks show or planning to put on a small display of your own, it is important to remember that fireworks can cause serious injuries if not used with caution. A couple of common types of fireworks-related injuries include:

🔹 Burn injuries account for 37% of fireworks injuries and often affect hands, arms, and exposed skin. Even sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns.

🔹 Eye injuries can involve permanent vision impairment when safe viewing distances are not maintained.

🔹 Lacerations, hearing loss, and respiratory irritation can occur when devices malfunction, explode unpredictably, or produce excessive smoke or noise exposure.

🔹 More severe injuries from fireworks typically involve aerial shells or mortars from fireworks and may lead to long-term disability.

While being aware of these injuries is key to preventing them, it cannot prevent them outright. Having dedicated legal support is key in the event of an injury.

Reach out if you have questions about legal next steps after an incident. We are always here to help.

Address

2100 West Loop South, Suite 1125
Houston, TX
77027

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18326260400

Website

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