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

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

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

We all know that creditors can be a nuisance when someone dies owing them money. But what you may not know is that, in Texas, there are specific laws regarding how to handle a decedent’s creditors. If you’re the executor of an estate in Texas, it’s important to understand your obligations when it comes to...KEEP READING

If you live in Texas, you may have heard of the anti-lapse statute. This law is designed to protect the property rights of beneficiaries who are named in a will. Under the statute, if a beneficiary dies before the will-maker, their interest in the estate will not lapse. Instead, their interest will go to their...KEEP READING

Introduction: Legal requirements Can making an “X” on a signature line in a will validate the document? The simple answer is: maybe. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in order to be valid. However, there is no specific requirement as to how the...KEEP READING

Introduction If you’re considering a will in Texas, you might be wondering about the signature requirements. Can a signature be on a different page than the will itself? In this blog post, we’ll explore this question and what you need to know if you’re considering a will in Texas. Last will and testament Texas In...KEEP READING

Introduction After you die, your will has to go through the probate process in order to be executed. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing a person’s assets after they die. If you live in Texas, you may be wondering why your will has to go through probate. After all, it...KEEP READING

Introduction After a loved one passes away, you may be wondering what needs to be done in order to settle their estate. If they left behind a will, the process of probating it in El Paso, Texas is relatively simple. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps you’ll need to take in order...KEEP READING