Have you ever wondered if someone can inherit from an estate if they kill their spouse? This is what is commonly called the “Slayer Rule”. In this blog post, we will explore the realities of the law in Texas. What is a will? In Texas, a will is a legal document that outlines how you...KEEP READING

Introduction: Probate Process under Texas Law When a person dies, their assets must go through the probate process before they can be distributed to their beneficiaries. The probate process is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after their death. If the deceased person had a will, the probate court will use that document...KEEP READING

Introduction A will is a legal document that dictates what happens to your possessions and assets after you die. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by two witnesses, as well as the person making the will (the “testator”). The witnesses cannot be related to the testator by blood or marriage. There...KEEP READING

Introduction In Texas, a power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf. This can be for financial or medical decisions, and is often used if the person named in the POA is unable to make decisions for themselves. But what happens to a POA...KEEP READING

Introduction A living trust is a legal arrangement in which you, the grantor, transfer property to a trustee. The trustee then manages the property for the benefit of a named beneficiary or beneficiaries. Living trusts are created during the grantor’s lifetime and can be revocable or irrevocable. Texas has specific laws governing living trusts, so...KEEP READING

Introduction When it comes to proving that a decedent lived in a specific county in Texas, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to gather any and all documentation that would show where the decedent resided at the time of their death. This could include things like a lease agreement,...KEEP READING

Introduction The process of probate can be a long and complicated one, especially if the estate in question is large. But what if the estate is small? In Texas, there is a process known as a small estate affidavit that can be used in these cases. In this blog post, we will walk you through...KEEP READING

Introduction When it comes to probate, property division can be a complex and contentious issue. If you and your spouse own property in more than one state, the question of which state’s laws will govern the division of that property can become even more complicated. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of...KEEP READING

Introduction: Legal requirements Can making an “X” on a signature line in a will validate the document? The simple answer is: maybe. In Texas, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in order to be valid. However, there is no specific requirement as to how the...KEEP READING

Introduction Proving the adopted status of a family member in Texas can be difficult if you don’t have the right documentation. Learn what you need to know in this blog post. The Importance of Proving Adopted Status When an individual in Texas wants to adopt a family member, they must first prove their status as...KEEP READING