Most people know they should have a will. Financial advisors mention it. Friends who’ve lost parents talk about it. Articles pop up periodically reminding everyone that proper estate planning matters. Yet a surprising number of Texans never get around to creating one. Some assume their spouse or children will automatically inherit everything. Others figure they...KEEP READING
Every year, thousands of Texas property owners execute transfer on death deeds with the best intentions. They sign the documents in front of notaries, have witnesses verify their signatures, and carefully store the deeds in safe places. These owners believe they’ve successfully arranged for their homes to pass directly to loved ones without the hassle...KEEP READING
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...KEEP READING
Divorce is like probate in that it involves a lot of paperwork and also decisions about dividing property. Most people focus on the house, retirement accounts, and bank balances. They split everything according to the decree and move on with their lives. But what happens when someone dies just days after the divorce is finalized—before...KEEP READING
People execute wills in various ways. Some sign formal documents prepared by attorneys with witnesses present. Others handwrite simple documents disposing of their property. Texas law accommodates both approaches through different requirements for attested wills and holographic wills. However, one question frequently arises: what constitutes a valid signature on a will? The Texas Estates Code...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
