If you’re considering making an online will, you might be wondering if it’s actually legal. The short answer is yes, an online will is just as valid as a handwritten one – as long as it meets all the requirements of a regular will. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a will valid,…
Tag: estate planning
Tax Implications of Being an Executor in Texas
When a person dies without having a will in place, the person who has been appointed executor is tasked with distributing all of the assets from the probate estate to those people and organizations named in the deceased’s will, or if there is no will, it falls on the executor to distribute everything at their…
Dependent vs. Independent Probate Administration
Dependent Probate Administration Before filing the probate application, one has to make a choice between dependent or independent probate administration. The term “dependent administration” refers to the probate being administered by the personal representative with direct supervision by the court. As explained below, dependent administration is an extremely restrictive method for administering an estate. This…
Can My Ex-Spouse Get My Inheritance?
If you’re not on good terms with your ex, you might not want to hear this – but in some cases, they could actually inherit your money or property if you die without a will. It’s important to know the laws in your state so that you can plan accordingly – read on for more…
Non-Production of a Will & Termination of a Trust
What happens when a person’s original will cannot be found and therefore proved in court? What constitutes non-production of a will? When will a trust be terminated? All of these questions are answered in the case In re Estate of Catlin. Probate Case In re Estate of Catlin, 311 S.W.3d 697 (Tex. App. 2010). Facts…
Estate Plan vs. Living Trust: What’s the Difference?
What’s the Difference Between an Estate Plan and a Living Trust? If you’re planning for the future of your estate, you may be wondering what the difference is between an estate plan and a living trust. Some people believe they are the same thing. But the truth is they aren’t. There is a significant difference…
Is It Good Enough to Initial a Will in Texas?
Last Will and Testament Requirements in Texas You might think that as long as you have a will, your estate will be distributed the way you want it to be. But if you don’t have a valid will in Texas, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. It’s established law in…
Common Words in Probate Cases
Probate Terms A probate case is a legal proceeding to administer the estate of a person who has died. There are common terms in probate cases that you should know. In this article, we will define some of these terms. The following is a list of the most commonly used terms in probate cases: Administrator…
Is Settling an Estate in Probate Difficult?
Introduction This article is for people who want to know more about settling an estate in probate. Is settling an estate in probate difficult? When a person dies, the deceased’s assets are handed off to whomever is listed in the will. If there is no will, however, then the estate becomes part of probate court.…