When it comes to life insurance policies, it’s important to make sure that the beneficiary you have designated is the person you truly want to receive the death benefit. Unfortunately, there are situations where someone may use undue influence to change the beneficiary of a policy without the policyholder’s knowledge or consent. In this blog...KEEP READING

Writing a will is an important step in ensuring that your assets and property are distributed according to your wishes after your death. In Texas, there are specific requirements that must be met in order for a will to be considered valid. One option for creating a will is to write it by hand, also...KEEP READING

When a person becomes unable to make decisions for themselves or manage their own affairs, a guardianship or conservatorship may be established in Texas probate court. Both guardianship and conservatorship are legal processes that allow a court to appoint someone to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, known as the ward....KEEP READING

In Texas, the news of the recent $2 billion Powerball jackpot winner has brought attention to the importance of protecting wealth. Lottery officials announced that a single ticket holder took home the largest prize in U.S. history. But history has shown that many lottery winners find themselves in financial trouble within five years of hitting...KEEP READING

Under U.S. tax law, gifts and inheritances are generally excluded from gross income. This means that you do not have to pay taxes on gifts or inheritances that you receive. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you receive a gift of property that has appreciated in value since it was...KEEP READING

What exactly is probate? It’s a legal process that takes place when someone dies, and it involves the distribution of their assets. While this may sound like a simple enough process, there are actually several different types of probate in Texas that you should be aware of if you are dealing with an estate or...KEEP READING

When you’re the beneficiary of a Texas trust, there are certain things that you should know. From understanding the different types of trusts in Texas to knowing your rights as a beneficiary, these six things will help you navigate your way through the process. Whether you’re setting up a trust for someone else or establishing...KEEP READING

In Texas, there are two types of probate: independent and dependent. Independent probate is when the decedent left a will that names an executor, and dependent probate is when the decedent did not leave a will or the will does not name an executor. If you are named as an executor in a will, you...KEEP READING

If you need to file an affidavit of heirship in Texas, there are a few things you’ll need to do first. First, find a notary public or licensed attorney who can notarize the affidavit. Then, gather all of the required documents, which include a death certificate, a copy of the will (if there is one),...KEEP READING

In Texas, if you want to contest a will or trust on the grounds of undue influence, you must be able to show that the person who created the document was unduly influenced by another person. This can be a difficult burden to meet, but it is not impossible. If you suspect that someone unduly...KEEP READING