Life insurance can serve as a key financial asset in estate planning. Whether or not its proceeds pass through probate depends primarily on the policy's structure and designation of beneficiaries. Life insurance with a named beneficiary When a policy names a living...
When someone passes away, their financial obligations remain active until resolved. Probate, the legal process for settling an estate, handles debts owed to the deceased by addressing creditors’ claims and ensuring fair asset distribution to beneficiaries. Executors,...
Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, and many people wonder if they can avoid it in Texas. The good news is that it is possible to avoid probate in certain situations. By planning ahead, you can make sure that your loved ones receive your assets without going...
Losing a loved one is difficult, and handling their finances can add stress. If your parent or another family member passes away with unpaid debts, you may worry about how to manage these obligations. Getting a better understanding of the probate process in Texas can...
When someone dies without a will, they die intestate. Texas laws then determine how to distribute their assets. This involves several steps to ensure that the decedent's property gets distributed fairly among the surviving family members. Understanding intestate...
It is not uncommon for someone to create multiple versions of their last will and testament over the years. This can lead to confusion and disputes when that person passes away and the family finds more than one will. So what happens legally when multiple wills...
Navigating the intricate landscape of probate can be a huge task. In the legal realm, a fiduciary relationship demands the highest standard of trust and loyalty. Unfortunately, in the probate process, sometimes breaches can occur, as well as serious consequences....
Contesting a will is a legal process that allows interested parties to challenge the validity of a deceased person's will. While you should respect the wishes of the deceased, there are specific conditions under which one can contest a will. Lack of testamentary...
The probate process includes not only assessing the value of the estate for distribution to beneficiaries but also finalizing any outstanding debts owed by the deceased. Understanding the process for handling debts in probate helps to set clear expectations. As an...
Estate administrators experience a variety of challenges as they carry out their responsibilities. As an administrator, you should understand the potential disputes that result from the probate process. Recognizing the most common sources of probate challenges may...
Board certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.