Introduction Proving the adopted status of a family member in Texas can be difficult if you don’t have the right documentation. Learn what you need to know in this blog post. The Importance of Proving Adopted Status When an individual in Texas wants to adopt a family member, they must first prove their status as…
TX-LW Blogs
Does a Constructive Trust Have to Be in Writing?
Introduction A constructive trust is an equitable remedy imposed by a court to prevent one party from unjustly enriching themselves at the expense of another. It can be used to rectify many different types of situations, such as when someone uses fraud or duress to obtain property. In Texas, a constructive trust does not have…
Planning for Commercial Solar Tax Credits
The solar tax credit can significantly reduce Federal income taxes. Congress has recently reaffirmed its desire to spur these investments to curb reliance on foreign energy and to help the environment. As with most tax incentives, such as the research tax credit, there are a number of rules that have to be followed to be……
Does Adding Class Descriptions to a Texas Will Create Class Gifts?
Introduction Adding class descriptions to a Texas will can create class gifts, which can be a great way to divide up your estate among your loved ones. However, it’s important to understand how this works before you make any decisions. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how adding class descriptions to a…
Can You Change a Will in Texas After You Sign It?
Introduction You’ve finally done it. After months of planning and preparation, you have executed your will. But what happens if you need to make a change? Can you simply cross something out and initial it? What if you want to add or delete a beneficiary? The law surrounding wills is complex, and it varies from…
Can a Signature Be on a Different Page than the Will?
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…
Does a Written Name Constitute a Valid Signature on a Will?
Introduction In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. But what happens if the testator only has a written name? Is that considered a valid signature on a Texas will? In this blog post, we will explore the answer…
Is a Typed Will Valid in Texas?
There is a common misconception that a typed will is not valid in Texas. This is simply not true. A typed will is just as valid as a handwritten one, as long as it meets the requirements set forth by the state. So, what are these requirements? First, the will must be in writing. It…
A New Beginning for Innocent Spouse Relief
The Taxpayer First Act of 2019 made several changes that impact how tax cases are handled. We are just now seeing some of these changes play out administratively and in court. The recent Bacigalupi v. Commissioner, Docket No. 20480-21 (U.S. Tax Court 2022) is an example of this. It is an innocent spouse case that……