Blended families face unique challenges when a loved one dies without a will in Texas. Step-parents, step-children, and biological children have to navigate complex inheritance rules that depend heavily on family relationships. The stakes can be very higher when community property is involved. Distribution of community property can shift between a surviving spouse and children...KEEP READING

Finding a parent’s will tucked away in an old suitcase years after their death seems like a stroke of luck. The document provides clear instructions about property distribution and identifies beneficiaries. Family members might assume they can simply file the will with the court and proceed according to its terms. After all, better late than...KEEP READING

When it comes to Texas probate, there are some common disputes that can be exceedingly difficult to navigate. One of these is the situation when an executor is obligated to sell real estate and distribute the proceeds to more than one beneficiary, but he or she cannot do so as there is someone living in...KEEP READING

Most people have heard of probate but don’t understand what it actually involves until a loved one dies and they face the responsibility of settling an estate. The term “probate” sounds intimidating and complicated. Movies and television shows depict probate as an expensive, lengthy ordeal that consumes estate assets in legal fees while families wait...KEEP READING

When someone dies owning property in Texas, their heirs often face a practical problem. The county deed records show a deed to their deceased relative from decades ago. However, nothing in those records traces the property forward to the current generation. Many families assume they can bridge this gap by preparing an affidavit of heirship...KEEP READING

A plane crash in Texas kills two people. One victim’s widow seeks to file a wrongful death claim against the other victim’s estate. The statute of limitations is about to expire. However, no probate administration has been started in Texas to provide someone who can accept service of process. The decedent was a California resident,...KEEP READING

A family member dies leaving a will but minimal debts. The heirs need to transfer title to real property and other assets but want to avoid the time and expense of a full probate administration. The estate has no creditor claims that require payment and no need for court supervision. The heirs wonder whether they...KEEP READING

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