Overall, naming your attorney as a beneficiary of your will in Texas is possible, but there are some significant limitations that you should be aware of before you do so. What is a valid will? In Texas, a will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for how their property and belongings should...KEEP READING

Have you ever wondered if someone can inherit from an estate if they kill their spouse? This is what is commonly called the “Slayer Rule”. In this blog post, we will explore the realities of the law in Texas. What is a will? In Texas, a will is a legal document that outlines how you...KEEP READING

Introduction A living trust is a legal arrangement in which you, the grantor, transfer property to a trustee. The trustee then manages the property for the benefit of a named beneficiary or beneficiaries. Living trusts are created during the grantor’s lifetime and can be revocable or irrevocable. Texas has specific laws governing living trusts, so...KEEP READING

Introduction In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. But what happens if the testator only has a written name? Is that considered a valid signature on a Texas will? In this blog post, we will explore the answer...KEEP READING

Introduction When you’re making your will, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will serve as your personal representative. Your personal representative is the person who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die, so it’s important to choose someone you trust implicitly. There are a few things to...KEEP READING

If you have been named as an executor or administrator of someone’s estate in the state of Texas, you need to know what duties and responsibilities come with the job. This article will go over your legal requirements, highlighting what you need to do before beginning. Probate Case Law Olguin v. Jungman, 931 S.W.2d 607...KEEP READING

When a family member passes away, it can be difficult to know what type of records they had in their possession. You usually need this information before you start planning a probate administration. If you don’t know where to begin, take a look at the list below for some guidance on what you should look...KEEP READING

If you’re considering making an online will, you might be wondering if it’s actually legal. The short answer is yes, an online will is just as valid as a handwritten one – as long as it meets all the requirements of a regular will. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a will valid,...KEEP READING

Dependent Probate Administration Before filing the probate application, one has to make a choice between dependent or independent probate administration. The term “dependent administration” refers to the probate being administered by the personal representative with direct supervision by the court. As explained below, dependent administration is an extremely restrictive method for administering an estate. This...KEEP READING

What’s the Difference Between an Estate Plan and a Living Trust? If you’re planning for the future of your estate, you may be wondering what the difference is between an estate plan and a living trust. Some people believe they are the same thing. But the truth is they aren’t. There is a significant difference...KEEP READING