When a person passes away in Texas, their estate must go through a probate process in order for their assets to be distributed to their beneficiaries. As part of this process, an inventory of the decedent’s assets must be created and filed with the court. This inventory is an important document that lists all of…
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Will Contests in Texas Probate Courts
Will contests in Texas probate courts are legal proceedings in which the validity of a last will and testament is challenged. These types of cases can be complex and emotionally charged, as they often involve disputes between family members over the distribution of a loved one’s assets. Validity of a Will in Texas In order…
A Dedicated Probate Court in Montgomery County?
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…
Arrangements to Make After a Loved One Dies
Death is a difficult thing. It can feel sudden and overwhelming, no matter the circumstances. During this time of grief, it’s understandable that you may not be thinking about the practical considerations involved in dealing with the death of a loved one. But these are important arrangements to make in order to take care of…
Can Courts Alter Wills?
One of the key principles of wills and trusts law is that a will should be given effect as written, unless it is shown that the will was procured by fraud, duress, or undue influence. This principle, known as the “rule against perpetuities,” is based on the idea that a person’s wishes should be respected…
3 Things to Know About a Small Estate Affidavit
A Texas Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document used to help heirs of an estate receive the property of someone who has passed away without having to go through the traditional probate process. It’s specifically designed for estates with a value of less than $75,000. If you’re dealing with a small estate in Texas,…
Completing a Texas Transfer-on-Death Deed
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed, commonly known as a beneficiary deed, is an important tool in Texas estate planning. It allows you to transfer ownership of certain types of property upon your death to someone else without going through the probate process. The TOD deed has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its simplicity…
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…
How to Admit a Will to Probate to Prove Muniment of Title
In Texas, there are two ways to admit a will to probate: muniment of title and regular probate. Muniment of title is the simpler of the two procedures and is typically used when the deceased person’s estate is small or when there is no dispute over the will. Muniment of Title is the process of…