Yahoo! Finance ran an article entitled “How Long Does Probate Take.” The article sets out several circumstances that can slow down the probate process. The article is not Texas-specific, so many of the circumstances do not really apply for probates in Texas or are more nuanced than mentioned in the article. The article provides an…Continue...KEEP READING
It is common to see family members reach an informal agreement as to how to handle the estate when a family member dies. These informal agreements often lead to disputes and end up in probate litigation. This is especially true when it comes to real estate. Family members may put off dealing with real estate.…Continue...KEEP READING
What do you do if you lost the original copy of a Will or you cannot find the original? What if you can find a copy of the Will? Can you probate a copy of the Will? If you can probate a copy of the Will, how do you go about probating a copy of…Continue...KEEP READING
As we seemingly get closer to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, older generations are sharing the similarities of this experience with the polio outbreak of the 1940s and 50s. Watching society return to some sense of normalcy after 15+ months of being in different stages of lockdown triggers many memories. Much like the coronavirus,…Continue...KEEP READING
With Memorial Day around the corner, many Houston residents are making their weekend plans. Now that the CDC guidelines have been updated and the number of fully vaccinated people continues to grow, it is no surprise that celebrating with friends and family is top of the list. While Memorial Day is often a day of…Continue...KEEP READING
Being left behind by a loved one is never easy. This can be made increasingly difficult if the deceased did not make arrangements for what they left behind. Proper estate planning is key to helping your family move forward in your absence. Ray Valdez, an orthopedic surgeon in the Houston-area, made sure to do just…Continue...KEEP READING
When estates are left behind, particularly large ones, there is often a dispute. Such is the case with the estate of the late Michael Jackson. Even though he left this earth over a decade ago, the value of aspects of his estate is just now being decided by the courts. Michael Jackson was undoubtedly one…Continue...KEEP READING
Muniment of title is an alternative to the probate process in Texas. It is cost-efficient. It is fast–relatively speaking. A Will is required. Instead of appointing you as the executor, the probate court enters an order distributing property according to the Will. And walla! But what if the story does not end there? What if…Continue...KEEP READING
The beneficiaries and heirs of a probate estate are not stuck with the distributions set out in the decedent’s will or by Texas intestacy laws. The beneficiaries and heirs can agree among themselves to some other distribution scheme. This usually involves negotiating and recording the agreement in a family settlement agreement. A carefully drafted settlement…Continue...KEEP READING
Many courts shifted to online zoom hearings when the COVID virus situation started. This includes probate courts in Texas. This makes sense. Many probate hearings require witnesses. The witnesses are usually friends and acquaintances of the deceased. As with the deceased, generally, they are usually older. They may be more susceptible to have a strong…Continue...KEEP READING
