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

When a loved one enters a nursing home for long-term care, it can be a difficult and confusing time for their family. In some cases, the nursing home may require a guardian to be appointed to make decisions on behalf of the person receiving care. But what happens when none of the family members want...KEEP READING

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the process of settling their estate can be complicated and emotionally taxing. This is especially true when disagreements arise between the beneficiaries of the estate. In this blog post, we will explore a case study of a common scenario faced by many families in Texas, and provide...KEEP READING

Probate is an important but complex process, and it can be a difficult thing to navigate. That’s especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the laws in Texas, where the probate rules can differ significantly from those of other states. If you’re looking to learn more about the Texas probate process, this blog post is for...KEEP READING

In the legal world, disputes can arise over a variety of issues, and when two cases with similar subjects are filed, the question of jurisdiction often arises. This was the situation in the recent case of In re McGowan, No. 03-22-00726-CV, 2023 Tex. App. LEXIS 168 (Tex. App.—Austin January 11, 2023, original proceeding), which dealt...KEEP READING