Lifetime transgressions can and do often come to a head when someone dies.  This can include a variety of family issues, including those that some may consider taboo. Take the example of where an uncle purports to marry his niece.  Texas law does not allow such a marriage, but, apparently, some jurisdictions do.  What happens...KEEP READING

What happens if you are not married but have a child with someone, and then you die when the child is a minor?  To further complicate it, let’s assume you do not have a will.  Who has the right to serve as the personal representative of your estate?   If you are survived by your mother,...KEEP READING

If you are expecting a legal problem, you may take steps to move property to others.  This may include buying property in the name of a third party.   Take for instance a pending divorce or demand letter for a lawsuit that you might lose.  Or maybe it is an unpaid IRS debt that continues to...KEEP READING

In the world of estate planning and probate, wills are crucial legal documents that ensure a person’s final wishes are carried out as intended. There are many types of wills, including holographic will.  According to Section 251.051 of the Texas Estates Code, a holographic will is a will entirely handwritten by the testator (the person...KEEP READING

Probate law can be complex and confusing, particularly when it comes to interpreting a testator’s intent. In Patrick v. Patrick, the Texas Court of Appeals considered the question of whether a testator’s beneficiaries should be responsible for paying estate taxes on non-probate assets. In this blog post, we’ll review the facts and procedural history of...KEEP READING

In Texas, informal marriage and intestate succession are two areas of law that can unexpectedly collide. An informal marriage is relatively easy to enter into, and if a person enters into an informal marriage prior to their passing, this can create an additional heir, leading to potential conflicts in an heirship proceeding. To avoid such...KEEP READING

Background John is seeking to contest his father William’s will after William passed away in November 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas. William had executed a new will in April 2022, at the age of 89, which John believes was a result of undue influence by his brother and sister-in-law. Additionally, John claims that William had...KEEP READING

If you’re looking for an estate planning lawyer in El Paso, it’s likely that you’re concerned about the future of your assets and your loved ones. Estate planning is an essential part of securing your financial legacy, and it’s crucial to have a legal professional on your side who can help you navigate the complexities...KEEP READING

When a loved one passes away, the probate process can be overwhelming and confusing, particularly if there are disputes over the distribution of assets or the appointment of an executor. In this blog article, we will explore a case study that highlights the legal issues that can arise during the probate process in Texas, especially...KEEP READING

In the world of Texas probate law, attorneys play an essential role in advising clients on how to manage the affairs of a loved one who has passed away. Attorneys rely on the attorney-client privilege to maintain the confidentiality of communications with their clients, but this privilege is not absolute. There are several exceptions to...KEEP READING