The foreclosure process can be complex. It can be even more complex when the person who takes out a mortgage dies and the property passes to their beneficiaries or heirs. This can raise questions about the legal and financial responsibilities of both the inheritors of the property and the lender. Who is responsible for the...KEEP READING
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and it can be even more challenging when there is no clear plan for their assets. In Texas, when someone passes away without a will, their assets are subject to the state’s intestacy laws. This means that the court will distribute the assets according...KEEP READING
When estate administrators sell property years after the statutory deadline for opening probate has passed, can purchasers rely on those sales? This fundamental question has confronted Texas courts for over a century. Modern practitioners often assume that probate law has undergone substantial evolution since the early 1900s. Yet examining how courts addressed late-filed administrations in...KEEP READING
The loss of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, but when it is combined with the responsibilities of managing an estate, the process can become overwhelming. In this article, we will explore a case study of probate in Texas with a video will and highlight some of the important considerations involved. Understanding...KEEP READING
When someone dies unexpectedly, family members often discover handwritten notes among the decedent’s belongings. These notes might express wishes about funeral arrangements or state who should handle affairs after death. The question becomes whether such informal writings constitute valid wills that courts must honor—or whether they merely reflect intentions that never became legally effective. Texas...KEEP READING
Independent Executor’s for a decedent’s estate must understand that their primary function is to fulfill their legal obligations and responsibilities in accordance with state laws and the terms of the deceased person’s will. They manage the deceased person’s assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the will....KEEP READING
When a person passes away, their assets and debts must be settled through the probate process. This process can be complicated, especially when it comes to the payment of creditors. In Texas, there are specific rules and procedures that must be followed when dealing with creditor’s claims in probate court. Understanding the Probate Process Probate...KEEP READING
Texas state law mandates that for any probate matter, a personal representative must be appointed in order to represent the decedent’s estate. But what exactly does that mean? How can one determine who is capable and eligible to be the personal representative? And what qualities do they need to possess in order to serve this...KEEP READING
If you’re like most people, you have at least one bank account. But what happens to that account when you die? The answer may surprise you: in Texas, bank accounts do not go through probate. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what this means for your loved ones and how to ensure that your bank...KEEP READING
Close friendships often develop between attorneys and their clients. These relationships can span decades and involve trust on matters ranging from business transactions to family disputes. When a grateful client wants to leave a substantial gift to the attorney who served them faithfully, the gesture seems natural and heartfelt. Texas law takes a different view....KEEP READING
