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...KEEP READING

Family disputes over inherited property often begin with incomplete information. Someone dies intestate. A surviving relative prepares an affidavit of heirship listing who inherited the property. That affidavit gets filed in the real property records. Years pass. The property changes hands. Then another heir surfaces—someone who was left off the original affidavit—and claims an ownership...KEEP READING

When someone agrees to serve as executor of a loved one’s estate, they usually expect some paperwork and a few decisions about distributing assets. Most people don’t anticipate that years later they could lose their position, forfeit substantial compensation, and face allegations of serious misconduct. The role carries significant responsibilities that extend far beyond simply...KEEP READING

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...KEEP READING

A parent opens a joint bank account with an adult child. The signature card says the funds are “payable to either or survivor.” When the parent dies, does the child automatically own the money? Or does it belong to the parent’s estate and pass under the parent’s will? The answer depends entirely on the specific […]KEEP READING