If you die without a will in Texas, state law creates one for you. The Texas laws of intestate succession determine who inherits property if there is no will and how much they get. Unfortunately, this may have unwanted consequences. In this blog, we briefly summarize the rules of inheriting property without a will in Texas. Who Inherits Property...
Continue ReadingThe executor of a will is often selected because your deceased loved one trusted them to settle their estate and carry out their wishes. But what if the executor does not probate the will? What happens to your loved one’s assets? Is there a time limit to probate a will? These are great questions. The answers—and more—will be discussed...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is crucial in securing your loved ones’s futures, especially drafting a will. While creating a will may appear to be a simple task, with the internet providing a variety of templates and DIY guides, tackling the legal complexities of will creation in Texas can be challenging. Working with a lawyer specializing in wills, such as the group...
Continue ReadingWhen a loved one dies, you may assume the long, arduous, and expensive probate process lies ahead. But that may not be the case, even if your loved one has a will. In general, probate is the legal process of gathering a deceased person’s assets and distributing them. A person’s will provides instructions on how to divvy up his...
Continue ReadingSeveral factors can complicate the estate planning process. Having properties in multiple states is one of them. Moving to a new state or splitting time between states is another. It’s essential to consider these factors when formulating or updating an estate plan. In general, state courts only have authority over property within the state. This limitation means that many...
Continue ReadingThe loss of a loved one is a difficult and trying experience. The legalities of probating a will, especially an international one, can add another layer of stress during this already emotional time. You are probably wondering, Does Texas recognize wills from other countries? Texas does recognize wills from other countries. However, a will from another country might have...
Continue ReadingWhen you make a will, you want your wishes to be carried out as you have specified. Before your family can receive any distributions from your estate, the probate court will make sure that your will is valid. If any of your family members disagree with the will presented to the probate court, they can challenge its validity. That’s...
Continue ReadingThe term “will” is commonly used in estate planning. However, a will can refer to a few different estate planning instruments. There are also different types of legal wills in Texas. So if you are wondering what types of wills are needed in Texas, read on to learn more. Last Will and Testament A last will and testament, more...
Continue ReadingA will is a key estate planning document that instructs the court on managing your affairs after death. Unfortunately, the will is completely useless if you do not meet all the legal requirements and properly execute the document. This blog explains what makes a will valid in Texas and discusses what happens if you don’t meet Texas will requirements....
Continue ReadingHand writing your own will might seem like a good idea. You can put down exactly what you want without paying a lawyer to do it. So are handwritten wills legal in Texas? Yes, but they come with risks. Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Texas? So, is a handwritten will legal? Texas recognizes handwritten wills (also known as...
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