Most people think of dangerous buildings when they hear the word “condemned.” However, condemning a property is often a step in the process of eminent domain. When property owners learn that the government intends to seize their land using eminent domain, it may be a...
In most cases, with the appropriate estate planning, testators can leave their assets to whomever they choose. They can also disinherit whomever they choose, but this is not always easy to do without risking a challenge during probate. An heir who is disinherited may...
This time of year often brings the impulse to clean and purge, and many in Texas and beyond will empty closets, attics and garages to rid themselves of clutter. However, when cleaning out the drawers of the desks, they may run across their estate planning documents,...
One important aspect of probate is identifying and locating the heirs the will names or, if no will exists, the heirs by Texas law. However, what happens when the executor or estate administrator cannot locate the legal heirs of an estate going through probate. It...
After a loved one dies, there may be many reasons for wanting the probate process to end quickly. Perhaps you already have a buyer for the deceased’s house, and you need the estate to close so you can complete the transaction. Maybe you have financial reasons for...
The definition and understanding of the word “family” has undeniably changed in recent years. What was once considered a traditional family of a married mom and dad and their children living in a single home now makes up less than 20% of households. With this complex...
In some movies or TV shows, a common scene involves family members gathering in a room where a lawyer reads the contents of a last will and testament. There are dramatic moments as heirs learn of their fortunes, disinheritance or tests they must pass to obtain their...
The rules of eminent domain allow a government entity, whether a local government, state agency or federal interest, to acquire someone’s private property for a project that is deemed to benefit the public good. The landowner should receive fair compensation for the...
Estate planning carries many myths and misconceptions, but it comes down to very personal choices. Some parents believe they must leave equal inheritances for all their children, but this is not true. For example, parents who gift one child money for a down payment on...
Writing a will may be something you don’t think about unless you have a brush with death. You may think you will deal with your will later, when you are closer to the end of your life and the thought of death won’t feel so morbid. If these are your thoughts, you may...
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