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Probate Articles

Houston Probate Articles

This page provides informative articles on all aspects of probate in Texas. Our team of experienced attorneys regularly publishes articles on probate administration, probate litigation, estate planning, and other important topics. We strive to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions about your legal matters. Browse our articles to learn more about probate and how it affects you and your loved ones.

Our Houston Probate Attorneys provide a full range of probate services to our clients. Affordable rates, fixed fees, and payment plans are available. We provide step-by-step instructions, guidance, checklists, and more for completing the probate process. We have years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you with probate and estate matters. Call us today for a FREE attorney consultation.

11Lost copy of will
20
Jun

What Do You Do if You Lost the Original Copy of a Will?

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...
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11judge in robe writing on paper
06
May

Court Makes Ruling in Michael Jackson Estate Case: Estate Taxes for Celebrities

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...
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11probate after a muniment
13
Mar

Probate After a Muniment of Title

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...
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11family settlement agreements
19
Feb

Drafting Agreements in Probate Cases

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...
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11texas personal jurisdiction executor probate
10
Feb

Nonresident Executor Subject to Texas Jurisdiction

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...
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11houston probate term of trust
03
Feb

Anti-Defamation Law Trumps Terms of Trust

There are laws that conflict with other laws. These conflicts are often due to competing policies. What may have been a good policy for one fact pattern, may not be a good policy given a slightly different fact pattern. The recent Marshall v. Marshall, Nos. 14-18-00094-CV, 14-18-00095-CV (Tex. App–Houston [14th]), case provides an example. The...
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11probate book
19
Sep

Guardianship Claim Bars Probate Claim?

Imagine that you are owed money by someone who becomes incapacitated and they have a guardian appointed. Your debt is not secured by any property, such as real estate. The guardian sends you a notice to submit your claim for payment. The debtor is of an advanced age or not expected to live long due...
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11simultaneous signatures on will
08
Sep

Are Simultaneous Signatures Required for a Will?

The making of a will is serious. A valid will dictates who gets your property and when they get it. An invalid will can result in your property passing according to Texas intestacy law. It can also set up an expensive probate dispute. This is why estate planning attorneys take such care in helping clients...
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11probate discovery rule
30
Aug

The “Discovery Rule” in Probate Disputes

There are some strict deadlines for contesting a will in Texas. The will contest generally has to be filed within two years of the time the will is admitted to probate. What happens if one of the parties hides the existence of the will and secretly probates the will? What if they make statements to...
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11sign will with rubber stamp
26
Aug

Signing a Will With a Rubber Stamp

A will has to be executed with the proper legal formalities. This includes having the terms of the will be in writing and signed by the decedent. There have been a number of disputes as to what counts as a writing and what counts as a signature. The courts have developed a plethora of cases...
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