If a judge has a personal interest in the outcome of a case, it’s possible that a litigant may be deprived of due process of law guaranteed by the United States Constitution. But what is the test to see if the judge’s personal interest actually deprives due process? Ex Parte Ross gives us an answer.…
Tag: probate litigation
Can a Court Add Probate Proceedings to a Muniment of Title?
Legal Terminology Muniment of Title/Deed: Means there is no need for administration of the estate. This allows for a will to be probated quickly and cost-efficiently. Administration of an Estate: Allows for the management of the liabilities and assets of a deceased person. Probate Case In re Estate of Kurtz, 54 S.W.3d 353 (Tex. App.…
Rebutting the Presumption of Revocation of a Missing Will
Terminology Service of Citation: legal notice of the filing of the case to the opposing party. Restricted Appeal: an appeal of specific aspects of a judgment rather than the judgment in its entirety. Rule 21 & Rule 21(a), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure: states that any amended pleading must be served on an answering party.…
How Do You Determine Standing in Texas Probate Court?
In the Boone v. McGalley case, challenges to an applicant’s standing in probate court require a separate hearing prior to continuing with further action. Probate trial courts, without the collective designation of standing, are not able to rule on challenges and must defer to a higher court. Probate Law Terminology In Limine: means that an…
Can You Bring a Law Suit Against a Texas County in Probate Court?
In a person’s will, they may leave either personal or real property to an entity rather than to an individual. They could leave land to a city, business, organization, county, or the like. What happens when there is a suit against a county rather than an individual? What is the controlling law and how is…
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.…
Restricted Appeals in Texas Probate Matters
If you are involved in a probate matter in Texas, it is important to be aware of the restricted appeal process. This process can limit your ability to challenge certain decisions made by the court, so it is important to understand how it works before you find yourself in that situation. This case helps shed…
What If I Don’t Believe That A Will Is Valid?
What If I Don’t Believe That A Will Is Valid?: How to Contest or Dispute a Will If you don’t believe that a will is valid, there are a few things you can do. You can file a petition with the court to have the will probated, or you can file an objection to the…
Is Your Sister or Brother Taking Advantage of Mom’s Estate?
If a person becomes unable to take care of their financials, as the elderly population does, people may need to step in. That is where adult children come into play. An adult child may decide to help but abuse the disability. Don’t be afraid to call lawyers if you feel like your parent is being…