Category

Estate Claims
11Texas challenge release probate
Someone dies. A family member signs a release agreement giving up their claims to the estate. Later, that same person discovers what they believe is a newer will naming them as the sole beneficiary. Can they ignore the release they signed and pursue their claim to the estate? This scenario plays out more often than...
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11Excluded Evidence in a Jury Trial
A would-be executor or adminsitrator may not fully appreciate the complexities that can arise. Estate administration often involves discovering financial surprises that the deceased never anticipated. For example, a family member who steps into the role of executor or administrator for the estate may find outstanding debts or tax liabilities that complicate the distribution of...
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11
Death creates an immediate freeze on a debtor’s obligations. Creditors who held enforceable claims against the living person must now navigate the probate system to collect what they’re owed. The process requires following specific procedures within strict timeframes. Missing a deadline or failing to check the right box can transform a valid debt into an...
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11Estate Without a Will
A caregiver provides services to an elderly woman for over a year. After the woman dies, the caregiver presents claims to the woman’s daughter, who serves as independent executrix of the estate. The daughter ignores the claims. The caregiver waits nearly a year before filing suit to recover payment for her services. Under the Texas...
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