Provision in a Will that Allows the Family to Dispose of Assets Mean that the Entire Family Inherits?

As probate attorneys, we see a lot of wills that just don’t cut it. We see everything from wills that fail to name executors, that fail to mention anything about death or dying, that fail to have witness signatures, etc. While we get that folks like to save a few dollars and skip the estate…

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Undue Influence Claims Texas Probates for Late-Life Remarriage and Relationships

Last minute estate plan changes often result in disputes. These disputes often involve situations where a elderly and newly widowed parent remarries or finds a new romantic partner quickly after their spouse’s death. There are often questions by the adult children about whether the new spouse or partner gained influence over the parents’ finances, particularly…

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Illegal Sales and Possession of Property in Texas Probate: A Real-Life Example

Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries. It can be a confusing and stressful time for beneficiaries, especially if the executor of the estate is not communicating or acting in their best interest. This blog post will explore a case study of a beneficiary seeking assets from their…

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Are You an “Interested Party” If You Already Received Benefits from a Will ?

Legal Terminology In Limine hearing: A procedure that allows parties to exclude evidence from a jury Uninterested persons: Anyone who has a property right or claim against the estate being administered Probate Law Case Sheffield v. Scott, 620 S.W.2d 691, 693 (Tex. App. — Houston [14th Dist.] 1981, writ ref’d n.r.e.) Facts and Procedural History…

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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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