Legal Blog

Navigating Family Dynamics: 3 Essential Tips for Executors

Navigating Family Dynamics 3 Essential Tips for Executors

Being named as a will executor can be an unexpected responsibility. On top of managing the deceased’s estate, you must also handle potential family conflicts. While the task may seem daunting, focusing on these three important steps can help you do your duties well and with less stress. Communicate clearly Clear communication is one of […]

Reasons to avoid social media during a divorce

Reasons to avoid social media during a divorce

Navigating a divorce is already challenging enough, but adding social media into the mix can make things even more complicated. It can potentially jeopardize your privacy, legal standing and emotional well-being. Here are reasons to avoid social media during a divorce. Protect your privacy Without knowing it, what you post online may expose sensitive information. […]

When can beneficiaries contest a will in probate court?

When can beneficiaries contest a will in probate court?

Probate proceedings often focus on the technical aspects of estate administration. The courts ensure that a personal representative follows the law or the instructions provided in a will. The probate process gives creditors an opportunity to make claims against an estate. Occasionally, family members or beneficiaries have to ask the probate courts for help because […]

Are you overlooking mineral rights in your estate plan?

Are you overlooking mineral rights in your estate plan

If you’re a Houston resident planning your estate, you might think you’ve covered all your bases. But there’s a hidden asset that many overlook: mineral rights. In the heart of oil country, these rights can be valuable, and ignoring them in your estate plan could lead to family disputes and lost opportunities. Houston’s unique position […]

Handling international child custody disputes

Handling international child custody disputes

Child custody disputes become complex when parents live in different countries. This guide explains the key points and steps to take in an international child custody dispute. Which law applies? Texas uses the Texas Family Code for child custody laws. For international cases, the Hague Convention on Child Abduction applies. This treaty protects children from […]

What does Texas require for someone to draft a valid will?

What does Texas require for someone to draft a valid will revised

A Texas estate plan can be relatively complex. It might include an assortment of different documents, such as trusts and powers of attorney designations. Other times, people try to keep things as simple as possible. They may draft a will and nothing else. Those trying to rush through the estate planning process as cheaply or […]

How the courts apply community property laws in a Texas divorce

People considering divorce in Texas often worry about the practical implications of ending a marriage. They may have shared income and property with their spouse for years and may, therefore, worry about whether divorce could impact their standard of living and/or retirement plans. Divorce inevitably influences someone’s finances and personal circumstances, and the exact outcome […]

3 probate obligations that can consume the value of someone’s estate

3 probate obligations that can consume the value of someone’s estate

When an individual dies in Texas, the resources that were previously their personal assets become the property of their estate. Those assets often need to pass through probate court. In many cases, the courts may need to oversee the probate process to ensure that a personal representative distributes them in accordance with someone’s wishes and […]