As the population of Montgomery County continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and effective courts to manage the increasing number of cases. To address this, State Representative Will Metcalf has filed House Bill 1436, aimed at converting Montgomery County at Law No. 2 into a probate court. What Is a Dedicated Probate…
Tag: News
New Texas Laws in Effect 2023
Several new laws went into effect in Texas on January 1, 2023, including changes to property tax collection, an expansion of the judicial branch, and an amendment to pollution standards. One of the laws, House Bill 3774, written by District 67 Representative Jeff Leach, allows for public access to the state’s court documents database with…
The 2023 Increases to Federal Estate & Gift Tax Exclusions
The IRS has announced that it will be increasing the estate and gift tax exclusions for 2023. This means that more money can be passed on to heirs without being subject to taxes. For those who are planning their estates, this is good news. However, it also means that more people will be subject to…
Texas Probate Case of First Impression Over Who Owns Moon Rocks
Courts make decisions based on the existing legal framework and precedents. These decisions create frameworks for future decisions made by the same court. A court first impression is a decision that is, at least in part, new or not bound by prior precedent, so it sets a new precedent. What is a Case of First…
Texas Probate Law Firm Continues Rapid Growth
Adds veteran probate attorney, Hallie O’Connor, to its Dallas office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dallas, October 10, 2022: Kreig LLC, a Texas-based probate law firm, announced today that Attorney Hallie O’Connor has joined the firm’s Dallas probate practice. “We are thrilled to have Hallie join our team,” said CEO Jack Manhire. “She is a highly respected…
Judge denies request to throw out country music icon’s handwritten will
A McLennan County judge will not dismiss the 2003 handwritten will of Texas music legend Billy Joe Shaver, which purportedly leaves his estate to his nephew. The nephew of another country music legend, Willie Nelson, originally made the request to throw out the will. Tommy Witherspoon of KWTX reports the following: The ruling by County…
Relief on Irrevocable Trust from Harris County Probate Court Affirmed
An irrevocable trust is a legal arrangement where the creator (settlor) of the trust transfers assets to another person or entity (trustee), while retaining the right to receive income generated by the trust and/or take possession of the trust property at a later date. If you are considering setting up an irrevocable trust, here’s a…
Legal Guardian Wins $8.3M in Texas Medical Malpractice Suit
A jury at the Tarrant County Probate Court 2 returned a verdict of $8.3 million in favor of a medical malpractice lawsuit earlier this month. Texas Harris Health Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth will have to pay at least a part of that amount to the family of Angela Davis, a former parole office who…
Pfizer: Vaccine Safe for Children
Parents of elementary school students in the Houston area felt welcome relief on Monday when Pfizer announced its vaccine is safe and effective for the 5- to 11-year-old age group. The findings represent a key step toward inoculating a younger population that so far is unprotected from the virus. Right now, only children 12 and…