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...
Texas Legal Blog
How long will the probate process take?
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...
Estate planning for the not-so-traditional family
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...
Why is there no ‘reading of the will’ anymore?
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...
Who can exercise eminent domain authority?
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...
A will may not be the right fit for your heirs
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...
Still think it’s too early to write your will?
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...
When can I clean out the house after a loved one dies?
Stepping into a parent’s home after he or she has died can be an emotional experience. Adult children in Texas may suddenly see the rooms and their contents in a new light and begin to feel sentimental, or they may see the chore that lies ahead of them of cleaning out...
Dallas To Houston Texas High Speed Rail Still Seeking Needed Permits
Texas Central has said that it plans to start construction by the first half of 2021 and that it has already secured sites for stations in Dallas, Houston and the Brazos Valley.
6 reasons to include powers of attorney in an estate plan
Giving someone else control over one’s finances and health care decisions through a power of attorney designation may seem unthinkable to some. They may have heard stories of people whose agents took advantage of them and left them alone and struggling. However, many...