The banks invariably require the owner of small businesses to sign a personal guarantee to secure a loan. But what happens to the personal guarantee when the owner dies and the business defaults on the loan? If the business defaults on the loan, the decedent’s estate can be on the hook to repay the loan....KEEP READING
The executor or personal representative has a lot of say in a Texas probate case. Absent limitations in the will, the independent executor has a lot of power. They can do everything from deciding what property is sold and kept, what property is distributed and when, and what the value of the property is that...KEEP READING
Probate cases are handled by a number of different courts in Texas. This can include statutory probate courts, county courts, and even district courts. Regardless of the type of court, one thing holds constant: the court is busy. Most courts in Texas have high caseloads. This is true of statutory probate courts in the largest...KEEP READING
Probate cases can be challenging given the different parties involved. In some cases, family members who have lifetime differences and long-running disputes are forced to work together to wind up the decedent’s last affairs. These disputes often end up in probate court. This can result in disputes and overreaching. The recent Estate of Allen, 658...KEEP READING
What happens when there is a dispute between parties regarding the validity of a life insurance beneficiary designation? This scenario raises complex legal questions surrounding conflicting claims and the rightful entitlement to life insurance proceeds. The solution lies within the realm of “interpleader” lawsuits. These legal actions offer a remedy when parties notify the life...KEEP READING
This case study involves a widow who was seeking assistance to access her late husband’s bank accounts. Despite presenting an affidavit of death and a death certificate and being the successor on the account, she was told by the bank that she needed a letter testamentary to access the account. This situation was complicated by...KEEP READING
When a person passes away, their will typically outlines the distribution of their estate. However, there may be instances where a will is declared invalid due to a variety of reasons such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. When this occurs, the distribution of the decedent’s estate becomes a complex process....KEEP READING
Hire an Experienced Probate Attorney Do you need help with a probate matter in Houston-metro area or the surrounding communities? We are experienced probate attorneys who represent clients with sensitive probate matters. If so, please give us a call us at 281-219-9090 or use the contact form below to see how we can help.KEEP READING
Preliminary Probate MattersAbout ProbateReporting the DeathThe Decedent’s Body or RemainsThe Texas Death CertificateFuneral Costs & Last Expenses in TexasThe Decedent’s BillsSecuring the Decedent’s PropertyTemporary Probate Administration inInformation to Locate After DeathThe Decedent’s Final PaycheckAccessing the Decedent’s Safe Deposit BoxBank and Mortgage Account InformationThe Decedent’s Rental DwellingHiring a Probate AttorneyPre-Filing Probate ConsiderationsDependent Probate AdministrationIndependent Probate AdministrationSelecting...KEEP READING
