Though many Texas residents hope that the holiday season will be a time a joy, that is not always the case. Families can lose loved ones at any point of the year, and a death in the family during the holidays may seem even more harrowing. Still, there is much to do...
Protecting Your Legacy
Year: 2018
Pressure to distribute assets could derail estate administration
When put in an important position, most people want to do the best they can. Individuals who have been named executors of Texas estates find themselves in very important positions. They have several obligations that need addressing, and they can often feel pressure...
Stopping a decedent’s mail during and after probate
While trying to close a loved one's estate, Texas executors may have to deal with some unexpected tasks. For instance, their deceased loved ones may continue to receive mail, which can become a nuisance. There are multiple ways to address this issue, depending on...
How can I protect myself from power of attorney abuse?
When choosing a power of attorney agent, many people make what they think is a reasonable choice and name their eldest child or their closest friend. If you, as the principal, are considering this move, think carefully before you move forward. Are you making this...
Sibling fights are not an unusual cause of probate litigation
While coming together after the death of a loved one is often the hoped-for outcome, it is not always the reality. In fact, some family members may wind up in probate litigation due to disputes over the remaining estate. In particular, it is not unusual for siblings...
Business owners may worry about acting as probate executors
Being a Texas business owner means that a person already has a lot on his or her plate. If a loved one passes and the owner was named as executor of the estate, that person will have even more responsibilities to address. Probate takes a great deal of time and effort...
Woman may pursue probate litigation over mother’s decision
Many people have dreams in life that simply do not pan out. Individuals may accept this outcome and move on with their lives. However, others may find out later that a loved one's actions prevented their dreams from coming true. In some cases, this information may not...
Will you have to pay your deceased loved one’s debts?
Fewer people today have the opportunity to pass away debt free. In most cases, an individual has at least one creditor. When it comes time to settle those accounts, you and other surviving family members may worry that they will be held legally responsible for the...
Probate litigation involves claims of murder
After a family member's passing, discontent among surviving family is not unusual. In many cases, heirs may fight over the remaining estate, even if the deceased left a will. In particular, if one individual feels cheated, he or she may feel that probate litigation is...
Order of priority important when dealing with debt during probate
Acting as executor often means that an individual will have to delve deeply into the personal affairs of another person, typically a family member or other close loved one. While many people may willingly take on such a role, probate can come with many complexities,...