In Texas, informal marriage and intestate succession are two areas of law that can unexpectedly collide. An informal marriage is relatively easy to enter into, and if a person enters into an informal marriage prior to their passing, this can create an additional heir, leading to potential conflicts in an heirship proceeding. To avoid such...KEEP READING

In the world of Texas probate law, attorneys play an essential role in advising clients on how to manage the affairs of a loved one who has passed away. Attorneys rely on the attorney-client privilege to maintain the confidentiality of communications with their clients, but this privilege is not absolute. There are several exceptions to...KEEP READING

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the process of settling their estate can be complicated and emotionally taxing. This is especially true when disagreements arise between the beneficiaries of the estate. In this blog post, we will explore a case study of a common scenario faced by many families in Texas, and provide...KEEP READING

In the legal world, disputes can arise over a variety of issues, and when two cases with similar subjects are filed, the question of jurisdiction often arises. This was the situation in the recent case of In re McGowan, No. 03-22-00726-CV, 2023 Tex. App. LEXIS 168 (Tex. App.—Austin January 11, 2023, original proceeding), which dealt...KEEP READING

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience, and the process of transferring their assets to their heirs can add to the stress and confusion. If your loved one died owning real property in Texas, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to transfer the property to your name. In...KEEP READING

Losing a parent is never easy, but when you are a single mother, the stress and responsibilities can seem overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation and you are living in your parents’ home, it is essential to understand the probate process and how it may affect you. In this blog post, we will...KEEP READING

If you’re inheriting property in Texas and you’re looking to transfer the title of a house to your name, the probate process can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the steps you need to take to transfer property ownership after a loved one has passed away. Step...KEEP READING

Closing an estate in Texas probate procedure can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is important to ensure that the deceased’s assets are properly distributed to their beneficiaries. The following is a guide to the steps involved in closing an estate in Texas. Opening the Probate Case The first step in closing an...KEEP READING

When a loved one passes away, there are many things to take care of, including filing their final federal income tax return. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to understand the process and the deadlines involved. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the final...KEEP READING

Have you ever wondered how to locate a will? While it may seem like a daunting task, it is an important step when trying to figure out what the deceased wanted. This can be especially true if you are an heir or executor of a will. In this blog post, we’ll explore what to do...KEEP READING