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  • Can You Make a Texas Affidavit Based on Belief Alone?

    In Texas, it is not possible to make an affidavit based on belief alone. You must have knowledge of a fact in order for the affidavit to be valid under Texas law. To understand this better, let’s look at the 1996 case, Williams v. Bagley. Legal Terminology Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 682: No […]

    The post Can You Make a Texas Affidavit Based on Belief Alone? appeared first on El Paso Probate Attorneys.

  • Can a Will Go Through Texas Probate Twice?

    Will Disputes What would happen if a will could go through probate twice? This is generally prohibited. Wills are typically only probated once. If an agreement was made to accept the terms of a will and release all claims against the estate, the acceptee usually cannot relitigate the estate. Womble v. Akins gives us more […]

    The post Can a Will Go Through Texas Probate Twice? appeared first on San Antonio Probate Attorney, Kreig LLC.

  • Should You Have a Last Will & Testament in Texas?

    Introduction: Should You Have a Texas Will?

    If you die without a will in Texas, your assets will go to your closest relatives according to state law. This may not be what you want. A will lets you decide who gets your assets when you die.

    A will is a legal document that says how you want your assets distributed after you die. You can also use a will to:

    -Name an executor or personal representative to carry out your wishes.

    -Appoint a guardian for any minor children.

    -Make arrangements for the care of any pets.

    -Include instructions for final arrangements, such as cremation or burial.

    You can change your will at any time as long as you are of sound mind and body. If you move to another state, you should have a new will drawn up, as different states have different laws.

    If you don’t have a will when you die, your assets will go to your closest relatives according to state law. This may not be what you want. A will lets YOU decide who gets your assets when you die.

    Do I need a will?

    Only about half of American adults have wills, according to surveys by various organizations. You may think that you don’t need a will because you don’t have much money or property, but everyone can benefit from having a will.

    If you have minor children, it is especially important to have a will so that you can name a guardian for them. If you die without a will, the court will decide who takes care of your children.

    How do I make a will? Can it be handwritten?

    In Texas, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to make a will. You can write your own will, but it is best to have an attorney help you so that it is done correctly.

    You must sign your will in front of two witnesses who are not named in the will. The witnesses must also sign the will.

    Once your will is signed and witnessed, you should keep it in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box at a bank. You should also give copies to your executor or personal representative and any other people named in the will.

    Dying Intestate (Without A Will)

    No one likes to think about their own death, but it’s important to plan for the inevitable. If you die without a will, you are said to have died “intestate.” This means that the state will determine how your assets will be distributed.

    While this may not seem like a big deal, dying intestate can cause a lot of problems for your loved ones. For example, if you have young children, the state will decide who will care for them. Additionally, your assets may not be distributed the way you would have wanted.

    Creating a last will is relatively simple and inexpensive. You can even do it yourself with an online service. It’s worth taking the time to do this small task so that your loved ones don’t have to deal with the consequences of your intestacy.

    Disadvantages of Dying Without A Will

    There are a number of disadvantages to dying without a will, including the following:

    1. Your assets will be distributed according to the laws of your state, which may not be in line with your wishes.

    2. If you have young children, the court will appoint a guardian for them, which may not be who you would have chosen.

    3. The probate process can be long and expensive, and your loved ones will have to bear the burden of dealing with it.

    4. Without a will, you lose the opportunity to designate how you want your assets to be used after your death. For example, you may want to set up a trust for your children or grandchildren.

    5. Lastly, dying without a will can cause unnecessary stress and heartache for your loved ones at an already difficult time.

    Children and Intestacy

    One of the most important functions of a last will is to appoint a guardian for your minor children in the event that both parents die. If you don’t have a will, the court will determine who will care for your children, and it may not be who you would have chosen. Additionally, if you have young children, a will allows you to specify an age at which they will inherit their share of your estate outright, rather than having it held in trust until they reach adulthood.

    Another key reason to have a last will is to avoid intestacy. Intestate means dying without a will, and if you die intestate, state law will determine how your assets are distributed. This may not be in accordance with your wishes, and it can also create serious financial difficulties for your loved ones. When you create a last will, you can specifically designate who should receive which assets, and you can also make provisions for how debts and taxes should be paid.

    Requirements for Making A Will To Achieve Desired Property Distribution

    Many people choose to create a will to ensure that their property is distributed in accordance with their wishes after they die. However, it is important to keep in mind that a will only controls the distribution of your property if it is properly executed. This means that you must take specific steps to ensure that your will is valid and will be followed by the court.

    If you want to create a legally binding document that controls the distribution of your property, you must execute a will. This involves more than just writing out your wishes; you must also sign the document in front of witnesses and have it notarized. Once you have completed these steps, your will becomes a legal document that can be used to distribute your property according to your wishes.

    While it is possible to create a valid will without the help of an attorney, it is often best to seek legal assistance when executing a will. An attorney can help you ensure that your document meets all of the legal requirements and can answer any questions you may have about the process. Additionally, an attorney can help you plan for what would happen if your will was challenged in court.

    If you have property that you wish to distribute after you die, you should consider executing a will. This document can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed and that your property will be distributed in accordance with your wishes.

    Probate of Wills

    If you have a will, it must be probated after your death. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing the deceased person’s assets according to the terms of the will. If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to your state’s laws of intestate succession.

    The probate process can be simple or complicated, depending on the size and complexity of the estate and the provisions of the will. If you have a small estate and a straightforward will, probate may not be necessary. In some cases, the executor (the person named in the will to carry out its provisions) can distribute the assets without going through probate.

    Probate can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to understand all your options before you decide whether or not to have a last will.

    Estate Administration

    One of the most important estate planning documents is a will. A will allows you to control how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not be how you would want them to be distributed.

    If you have assets that you want to go to specific people, it is important to have a will. A will can also appoint a guardian for minor children. If you die without a will, the court will decide who will raise your children.

    Creating a will is relatively simple and does not have to be expensive. You can create a will yourself or use an online service. You can also hire an attorney to help you create a will, but this is not necessary.

    If you have any questions about whether or not you should create a will, consult with an estate planning attorney.

    Conclusion

    No one likes to think about their own death, but it’s important to be prepared for the worst. A last will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for how your assets should be distributed after you die. While it’s not required by law, having a last will can save your loved ones a lot of time and hassle when it comes to settling your estate. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a last will, talk to an attorney who can advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation.

    Do you need an Experienced Probate Lawyer to help?

    If you are thinking about whether or not you need a last will, then you may also be wondering if you need an experienced probate attorney to help. The answer to this question is not always clear cut, and it really depends on your individual situation. Here are some things to consider that may help you decide if you need an attorney:

    1. How complex is your estate? If you have a lot of assets or debts, or if your estate is likely to be contested, then you may need an attorney to help with the probate process.

    2. Do you live in a state with complex probate laws? Some states have very complex probate laws, and if you live in one of those states, it may be beneficial to have an attorney help with the process.

    3. Are there any disputes among your heirs? If there are disagreements among your heirs about how your estate should be divided, then an attorney can help mediate those disputes and come to a resolution.

    4. Do you have a valid will? If you do not have a will, or if your will is invalid, then an attorney can help determine how your assets will be distributed according to state law.

    5. Are you comfortable handling the probate process on your own? If you are not comfortable handling the probate process on your own, then it may be beneficial to have an attorney help.

    If you are still not sure if you need an attorney, then you should consider meeting with one to discuss your specific situation. An experienced probate attorney will be able to advise you on whether or not hiring an attorney is right for you. (512) 273-7444.

    Can I write my own will in Texas?

    The answer is yes, you can write your own will in Texas. However, it is always best to have an attorney review your will to make sure it is legal and valid. If you do not have an attorney, you can use one of the many online will-writing services, but be sure to read the reviews before choosing one.

    Do wills have to be filed with the court in Texas?

    The answer to this question is a bit complicated. In Texas, there is no requirement that a will must be filed with the court. However, if the will is not filed with the court, it may be more difficult to prove its validity if it is challenged. Additionally, if the value of the estate is over $75,000, the will must be filed with the court in order for it to be valid.

    Does a will have to be notarized to be valid in Texas?

    No, a will does not have to be notarized in order to be valid in Texas. A will is considered valid if it is signed by the testator (the person who is making the will) and two witnesses. The witnesses must be adults who are not related to the testator or named in the will.

    Is a will necessary in Texas?

    No. A will is not necessary in Texas. You can choose to have a will, but it is not required by law.

    The post Should You Have a Last Will & Testament in Texas? appeared first on Austin Probate Attorney, Kreig LLC.

  • Overcoming the IRS’s Constructive Dividends Argument

    Those who own C corporations have to be careful about what amounts are paid out to or benefit the corporate shareholders. This is particularly true for closely held and family corporations. On audit, the IRS will often assert that these distributions are constructive dividends. This is usually a bad answer for taxpayers as it increases… Continue reading Overcoming the IRS’s Constructive Dividends Argument

    The post Overcoming the IRS’s Constructive Dividends Argument appeared first on Mitchell Tax Law.

  • Is Your Texas Will Invalid?

    When Is a Texas Last Will and Testament Invalid? After someone dies, their will is often one of the first things that needs to be dealt with. But what happens when a will is invalid? In Texas, there are a few different circumstances that can render a will null and void. Learn more about what […]

    The post Is Your Texas Will Invalid? appeared first on Houston Probate Attorneys, Kreig LLC.

  • What Is a Texas Small Estate Affidavit?

    If you need to settle the estate of a loved one who passed away without a will in Texas, you’ll need to file a Texas small estate affidavit. This document essentially allows you to transfer the deceased person’s property to their heirs without going through probate. Keep reading to learn more about how to file […]

    The post What Is a Texas Small Estate Affidavit? appeared first on Dallas Probate Attorneys.

  • Texas Probate When There is No Will

    Probate Law without a Will The process for probating an estate when there is no will is similar to probating a will. There are several notable differences, including the heirship proceeding and the attorney ad litem. To start the probate court process, the applicant will file the following documents: Application to be appointed, Application for […]

    The post Texas Probate When There is No Will appeared first on El Paso Probate Attorneys, Kreig LLC.

  • What Is a Texas Transfer on Death Deed?

    A Texas Transfer on Death Deed is a way to transfer real property to someone else upon your death without going through probate. The deed must be properly signed and notarized, and it must be filed with the county clerk in the county where the property is located.

    What is a Texas Transfer on Death Deed?

    A Texas Transfer on Death Deed is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your real property to someone else upon your death. The deed must be properly executed and filed with the county clerk in order to be valid.

    The Transfer on Death Deed is a relatively new tool in estate planning, and can be a useful way to avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets after they die, and can be expensive and time-consuming. By using a Transfer on Death Deed, you can ensure that your property will go directly to the person or persons you choose, without having to go through probate.

    If you’re considering using a Texas Transfer on Death Deed, it’s important to understand how they work and what the requirements are. This blog post will provide some basic information about Transfer on Death Deeds in Texas, as well as some things to keep in mind if you’re considering using one.

    To learn more about Transfer on Death Deeds in Texas, or to find out if they’re right for you, contact an experienced estate planning attorney today.

    How to Create a Texas Transfer on Death Deed

    A Texas Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your property to a designated beneficiary upon your death. TODs are a relatively new estate planning tool, and they can be used in lieu of a will to transfer ownership of your home, personal property, or other assets.

    Creating a TOD is simple and straightforward. You’ll need to fill out a form provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, which you can find on their website. Once the form is complete, you’ll need to have it notarized and then file it with the county clerk’s office in the county where the property is located.

    Once the TOD is filed, you’re free to change your mind about the beneficiary at any time by simply filing a new deed with the county clerk’s office. You can also revoke the deed entirely by filing a revocation form with the county clerk’s office.

    TODs can be an incredibly useful estate planning tool for Texans, so if you’re considering one, be sure to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process.

    What Are the Requirements for a Texas Transfer on Death Deed?

    In order for a Texas Transfer on Death Deed to be valid, it must meet the requirements set forth in the Texas Property Code. These requirements include the following:

    1. The deed must be in writing and signed by the owner of the property.

    2. The deed must be witnessed by two adults who are not related to the owner or named as beneficiaries in the deed.

    3. The deed must be filed with the county clerk where the property is located within 30 days of its execution.

    4. The deed must comply with any other requirements that may be imposed by local ordinances or homeowner association rules.

    Who Can Be Named as a Beneficiary in a Texas Transfer on Death Deed?

    A Texas Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed is a legal tool that allows you to transfer ownership of your home to a designated beneficiary upon your death. TOD Deeds are revocable, meaning you can change the beneficiary at any time, and they are only triggered upon your death. TOD Deeds can be an attractive option for those who want to avoid probate, which can be costly and time-consuming.

    There are some restrictions on who you can name as a beneficiary in a Texas TOD Deed. The beneficiary must be an individual (you cannot name a trusts or other entities). Additionally, the beneficiary must be someone you have a close relationship with, such as a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, or sibling. You also cannot name someone who is not a blood relative unless they are your legal guardian.

    If you have any questions about who you can name as a beneficiary in your Texas TOD Deed, it’s best to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney.

    What Property Can Be Transferred Using a Texas Transfer upon Death Deed?

    A Texas Transfer on Death Deed is a document that allows you to transfer ownership of your property to someone else upon your death. TOD Deeds are often used to avoid probate, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.

    The most common type of property transferred using a TOD Deed is real estate, but other types of property, such as cars or bank accounts, can also be transferred. TODDs are easy to create and revoke, and can be an excellent way to ensure that your property goes to the person or persons you want it to go to.

    When Does the House or Other Property Get Transferred After the Owner’s Death?

    If you’re the owner of property in Texas, you may be wondering about the transfer of ownership after your death. If you have a Transfer on Death Deed, also known as a TODD, in place, then the process is fairly straightforward. The TOD Deed is a legal document that allows you to designate a beneficiary who will inherit your property after you die.

    Once the deed is recorded with the county clerk’s office, it becomes part of your estate and is subject to probate. However, if you have a TOD Deed in place, the property will bypass probate and transfer directly to your designated beneficiary. The TOD Deed is an easy and efficient way to ensure that your property goes to the person or persons you want it to, without having to go through probate court.

    If you’re thinking about creating a TOD Deed, it’s important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you understand the pros and cons of this type of transfer and ensure that it’s done properly.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Texas Transfer on Death Deeds can be a great way to transfer property to your loved ones after you pass away. By using this type of deed, you can avoid probate and make sure that your loved ones receive your property in a timely manner. If you have any questions about whether or not this type of deed is right for you, be sure to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand all of your options.

    Do you need to hire an Experienced Attorney to draft a Transfer on Death Deed?

    Most people think that they only need to hire an attorney for complex legal matters. However, there are some simple legal tasks that are best left to professionals. One of these is drafting a Texas Transfer on Death Deed.

    A Transfer on Death Deed is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your property to someone else upon your death. While this may seem like a straightforward process, there are a number of potential pitfalls that can occur if the deed is not properly drafted.

    An experienced attorney will know how to draft a Transfer on Death Deed so that it meets all the legal requirements and will be valid in the state of Texas. They can also advise you on whether or not a Transfer on Death Deed is the best option for your particular situation.

    If you are considering creating a Transfer on Death Deed, contact an experienced estate planning attorney today. Call us for a FREE attorney consultation. (512) 273-7444.

    https://austin-probate.com/

    Where do I file a transfer on death deed in the State of Texas? Is there a proper format? Filing fee?

    The Texas transfer on death deed must be filed with the county clerk in the county where the real property is located. Any specific form and filing fee can be obtained from the county clerk’s office, or you can look for one provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

    Can you transfer property without probate in Texas?

    Yes, you can transfer property without probate in Texas through a process called a transfer on death deed. This type of deed allows you to name a beneficiary who will receive the property after your death. The beneficiary can be anyone, including a family member, friend, or charity. The deed must be filed with the county clerk’s office before your death, and the beneficiary must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old and not being convicted of a felony.

    What are the disadvantages of a TOD deed?

    A Texas Transfer on Death Deed (TOD deed) is a legal document that allows a property owner to transfer ownership of their property to another person upon their death. While this may seem like a convenient way to transfer property, there are some potential disadvantages to consider before using a TOD deed.

    One disadvantage of using a TOD deed is that the property owner may not be able to change their mind about who they want to transfer the property to after the deed has been executed. For example, if the property owner gets married or has children after executing the deed, they may want to change the beneficiary but would not be able to do so without revoking the deed and executing a new one.

    Another disadvantage is that TOD deeds can be contested by the beneficiaries named in the deed. If there is any dispute over who should inherit the property, it may end up in court. This can be costly and time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that the property will ultimately be transferred to the intended beneficiary.

    Finally, TOD deeds may have adverse tax consequences for the beneficiaries. In some cases, beneficiaries may be responsible for paying capital gains taxes on the value of the property when they inherit it.

    How do I make a transfer on death deed in Texas in 2022?

    A Texas Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your property to someone else upon your death. The deed must be signed and witnessed by two people who are not related to you or the person you are transferring the property to. The TOD is a relatively new concept in Texas, and it can be used for both real estate and personal property. For example, if you own a car, you can use a TOD to transfer ownership of the car to someone else upon your death.

    To create a TOD, you will need to fill out a form and have it witnessed by two people. Once the form is complete, you will need to file it with the county clerk’s office. There is usually no special fee to file a TOD.

    Upon your death, the person you named as the recipient of your property will need to present the deed to the county clerk’s office in order to have the transfer of ownership official recorded.

    A Texas Transfer on Death Deed is a simple and efficient way to transfer ownership of your property to someone else upon your death. If you have any questions about creating a TOD Deed, please contact an experienced probate attorney.

    The post What Is a Texas Transfer on Death Deed? appeared first on Austin Probate Attorney, Kreig LLC.

  • The Late S Corporation Election

    The Subchapter S corporation remains a popular choice of entity for small and medium-sized businesses. This is true even after the TCJA of 2017 lowered the income tax rate for C corporations to 21 percent. Unlike many other changes made by the TCJA, the 21 percent flat corporate rate is permanent. It is not going… Continue reading The Late S Corporation Election

    The post The Late S Corporation Election appeared first on Mitchell Tax Law.