When Is a Texas Cause of Action “Appertaining or Incident to” an Estate?

Legal Terminology Estates Code on Probate Suit Transfer: Texas law authorizes a statutory probate court to transfer to itself from a district court a cause of action “appertaining to or incident to an estate pending in the statutory probate court.” Mandamus relief: Available only when a trial court clearly abuses its discretion and when there…

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Are Statements of a Testator Presumed True in Texas Probate?

Legal Terminology Self-proved will laws A will that can be validated without the use of a probate court. Such a will usually requires the presence of witnesses who attest to the will’s validity. Presumption of Continuity When no circumstances exist that suggest a will lacks validity or has been revoked, the burden shifts from a…

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Closing a Probate in Texas

After a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know what to do next. One of the things you may need to do is close their probate in Texas. This can seem like a daunting task, but luckily this article will walk you through everything you need to know! Are you the Executor or…

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Evidence That a Will Was Not Revoked

Terminology Intestate Heirs: Individuals who are legally entitled to inherit from the estate of someone who does not leave a valid will. Probate Case Estate of Glover, 744 S.W.2d 939 (Tex. 1988) Circumstances & Procedural History: Proving a New or Old Will This case pertained to a will contest between a will beneficiary and several…

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Can Probate Court Be the Proper Venue for a Personal Injury Case?

Can someone bring a lawsuit regarding personal injury, death, or property damage in a probate court? Let’s look at the case of Gonzalez v. Reliant Energy Co. to find out. Legal Terminology Anti-suit Injunction A remedy issued by a court in one jurisdiction that prohibits a litigant from initiating or continuing litigation in another jurisdiction.…

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