The probate process in Texas can be extremely daunting and confusing if you are unfamiliar with it. With all the legal paperwork and court proceedings, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. In this article, we hope to answer some of the most common questions about the Texas probate process to give those who...KEEP READING

One of the most pressing concerns when a loved one dies is figuring out what to do with the body or remains and making the necessary arrangements for the body or remains.   Human remains can be donated, buried, cremated, or entombed. It is necessary to determine whether the decedent is an organ or tissue donor,...KEEP READING

If a loved one passed away more than four years ago, is it still possible to receive an inheritance after the statute of limitations has expired? In short, the answer is no. It is a strict guideline in the state of Texas, and it also applies to non-biological children who may have been adopted. The...KEEP READING

In Texas, probate is the legal process that is used to settle the estate of a deceased person. This includes distributing their assets and paying any debts or taxes that may be owed. The process can be complex, but understanding what is subject to probate in Texas can help simplify things. Generally, any property that...KEEP READING

When the validity of a will is challenged in court, Texas law allows scrutiny of issues like undue influence and mental capacity of the testator. However, sometimes an executor may be a history of past misconduct. In these scenarios, can that prior history be used to prove undue influence during probate? The Smith v. Smith, No. 389...KEEP READING

A husband and wife go to their bank to change account ownership. The husband wants his wife to have access to the accounts and to inherit them when he dies. They sign new signature cards for two accounts. Under “Type of Customer,” each card specifies “Joint with Survivorship.” When the husband dies, his widow claims...KEEP READING

A parent learns that their adult child has a severe disability and will require lifetime care. The child receives Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits that pay for essential medical treatment and living expenses. The parent wants to leave an inheritance to help provide for the child’s future needs. However, the parent discovers that a...KEEP READING

Property disputes sometimes arise when someone obtains assets through wrongful conduct. A decedent intends to leave property to a particular beneficiary but dies before executing the planned will and estate plan. Family members who stand to inherit under intestacy laws allegedly prevent the decedent from signing the will. After death, the property passes to the...KEEP READING

When people think about creating a will, they often picture either a formal document prepared by an attorney or a handwritten document penned by the testator. But what about a will that is typed by the testator themselves? Can someone sit down at a computer, type out their wishes for property distribution after death, print...KEEP READING

When a will is believed to be invalid or defective, Texas law allows interested parties to challenge the will through a contest proceeding. The Estate of Rodgers, No. 13-22-00202-CV (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2023) case examines the grounds for contests and the evidence needed to prove such an allegation. Facts & Procedural History The background of...KEEP READING