Tax attorneys frequently come from an accounting background. This may seem like an unrelated skill, but it often plays a pivotal role in effective tax planning. The ability to navigate revenue and expenses and debits and credits not only ensures accurate financial reporting but also lays the foundation for strategic tax planning. Tax planning often……
TX-LW Blogs
Texas Probates & Property Purchased in Another Person’s Name
If you are expecting a legal problem, you may take steps to move property to others. This may include buying property in the name of a third party. Take for instance a pending divorce or demand letter for a lawsuit that you might lose. Or maybe it is an unpaid IRS debt that continues to…
Common Law Marriage & the Race to the Courthouse When the First Spouse Dies
The statistics show that fewer and fewer people are getting married. It is much more common for those who are in a relationship to simply forego the legal or formal process to get married. This can have a number of unforeseen consequences. Take the case of a couple who held themselves out as being married…
Can a Bank Foreclose on an Inherited Property?
The foreclosure process can be complex. It can be even more complex when the person who takes out a mortgage dies and the property passes to their beneficiaries or heirs. This can raise questions about the legal and financial responsibilities of both the inheritors of the property and the lender. Who is responsible for the…
Proving a Forged Will in Court Using Testimony & Handwriting Expert
The validity of a will can be a contentious issue within families. Whether attested or holographic, wills must meet specific criteria to be considered authentic and to be admitted to probate. When allegations of forgery arise, the question becomes: Can the authenticity of a will be proven and what evidence is used to prove the…
Avoid Late IRS Installment Agreements
The concept of “judicial activism” refers to situations where judges do more than simply interpret existing laws. They venture into creating new laws or policies through their rulings. This encroaches on the legislative power of Congress, which creates the laws, and the executive agencies, which create policies to implement the law. This type of discretion……
When Can an Executor Be Removed for Conflicts of Interest?
The probate process involves settling the decedent’s financial obligations, paying debts and taxes, identifying and appraising assets, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs. This is a multifaceted process that involves a careful balance of probate laws, family relationships, beneficiary interests, and executor responsibilities. One particularly crucial aspect of the probate…
Can a Sibling Be Appointed Guardian Over the Wishes of the Sibling’s Spouse?
The term “guardianship” refers to the court supervision of an incapacitated person. The court appoints a guardian and grants them legal authority to make personal and/or financial decisions for the incapacitated person. This can be needed if, for example, the incapacitated person owes debts to others. This can be a lengthy process and it can…
Case Study: Home Ownership After a Spouse Dies Without a Will
In Dallas, Texas, Jimmy’s life took a complicated turn when he lost his wife and was faced with navigating the nuances of Texas estate law. His stepson Bob, absent for nearly a decade, unexpectedly inherited a 50% stake in the home Jimmy thought was fully his. Texas Estates Code provides guidelines for what happens when…