Hiring a probate attorney in Texas is generally necessary when administering a probate estate. This is due to a combination of Texas law, which requires representation of the interests of beneficiaries and creditors, and the complexity of the state’s probate laws. In Texas, individuals have the right to represent themselves in legal proceedings, but this…
TX-LW Blogs
Does a Complex Estate Plan Mean a Lengthy Legal Battle?
Estate planning can be a contentious issue, especially when it comes to siblings. A recent article in the Houston Chronicle highlights the story of a man whose parents had a complex estate plan that led to a lengthy legal battle between him and his siblings. The man’s parents had owned a successful business and had…
How Do I Get a Guardianship in San Antonio?
Obtaining a guardianship in San Antonio, Texas can be a complex legal process. It involves petitioning the court to appoint you as the legal guardian of another person, known as the “ward.” This can be necessary when the ward is unable to make decisions for themselves due to age, disability, or some other circumstance. The…
Texas Probate Case Law: Free and Voluntary Act
The probate process in Texas is often long and complicated. It can involve many steps, most of which are unfamiliar to the average person. One of the most important steps in the process is the free and voluntary act. This step is so important that it has its own section in the Texas Estates Code.…
About the Monetized Installment Sale
The monetized installment sale is a tax strategy that allows a party to sell an appreciated asset while deferring capital gains tax for an extended period of time and receiving a significant portion of the sale proceeds in cash. The strategy involves the use of an installment sale and a monetization loan, which allows the……
Tax on Employer-Provided Lodging
Did you know that as an employee, you may be able to exclude the value of lodging provided by your employer from your income taxes? According to Sec. 119 of the Internal Revenue Code, there are certain conditions that must be met in order for an employee to exclude employer-provided housing costs from their income.……
3 Things to Know About a Small Estate Affidavit
A Texas Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document used to help heirs of an estate receive the property of someone who has passed away without having to go through the traditional probate process. It’s specifically designed for estates with a value of less than $75,000. If you’re dealing with a small estate in Texas,…
The Interplay of Buy-Sell & Non-Compete Terms
The intent of drafting business agreements is often to avoid disputes. One cannot always anticipate every type of dispute that can arise. This is where experience comes in, as some disputes are recurring and can be avoided. A buy-sell agreement that is not coordinated with the terms of a non-compete agreement is an example. This……
Top 5 Things to Look for in a Texas Probate Attorney
When it comes to selecting a Texas probate attorney, there are many things to consider. Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes away and involves complex and detailed work. You need an attorney who understands your needs, is knowledgeable about Texas law and has the experience necessary to handle your…