The aftermath of the death of a loved one is a difficult time, and it can become even more complicated if you suspect there may be something amiss with their will. Undue influence usually occurs when someone manipulates or coerces a testator (the person making the will) into leaving them a larger inheritance than they would have otherwise. This can be a heartbreaking situation, leaving you questioning the validity of a will and the true wishes of the deceased. Equipping yourself with the knowledge to identify signs of undue influence can help determine if you have a case for contesting a will ..read more

Families often have a lengthy grieving process ahead when someone dies. It can take years to work through the emotions inspired by someone's passing. Surviving family members also have to handle numerous practical challenges while dealing with the emotional devastation of a loved one's death. Preparing for a funeral and overseeing probate proceedings can require time and attention from those already dealing with a difficult situation. Probate proceedings generally require the oversight or support of one person who intends to serve as the personal representative of the estate. The rest of the f ..read more

The probate process is relatively lengthy and complex. Many people find estate administration to be a frustrating process even if they willingly agreed to assume that responsibility years before. They have to attend court hearings, gather documents, communicate with multiple parties and take responsibility for estate resources. Small mistakes can potentially lead to personal liability for a person who is handling the probate process on behalf of another’s estate. The exact mistakes someone might make largely depend on the resources of the estate and other factors, like the wishes of the decede ..read more

The executor or personal representative tasked with administration of an estate must manage a lot of responsibilities. And, ultimately, they could very easily make a mistake that could derail the Texas probate process and drastically reduce how much the beneficiaries of the estate receive from a loved one’s legacy. Someone in a position to control another person's resources might abuse that authority, which is why probate law imposes a very high standard of responsibility on those administering an estate. The executor of an estate or the trustee administering a trust has a fiduciary duty to th ..read more

An estate plan is as much about the peace of mind of the testator as it is about the financial protection of their closest family members. Estate plans outline who will receive property from an estate and also provide guidance for scenarios wherein an individual becomes medically incapacitated and unable to speak up about their healthcare preferences or manage their own finances. Few things make someone feel as prepared for the uncertainty of life as a robust, custom-created estate plan. However, the terms that someone includes in their will, powers of attorney and other documents may become o ..read more

Trusts are very powerful tools for protecting oneself and establishing a meaningful legacy. Many modern estate plans make use of trusts. Although some people think of a trust as a tool for the incredibly wealthy, many middle-class and working-class households can also benefit from the establishment of a trust as part of a broader estate plan. Trusts can help reduce estate tax risks and protect people from collection activity that endangers their most valuable assets. Trusts can also help people qualify for state benefits and maintain more control over how beneficiaries use and inheritance afte ..read more

Summary: This article highlights ten notable estate disputes involving celebrities and other famous individuals. Some of the most famous cases include Howard Hughes, who died without a will, leading to a decade-long legal battle; Anna Nicole Smith, who fought for a share of her late husband's $1.6 billion estate; and Prince, whose unexpected death without a will left his multi-million-dollar estate up for grabs among his siblings. These cases illustrate the importance of proper estate planning and demonstrate that money and fame do not guarantee happiness. “Death is not the end. There remains ..read more

When a loved one dies, assuming they have a will, their chosen executor steps in to make sure that their estate is handled the way they intended. Once the decedent's real property and other assets are secured and the will has been located, it’s time to attend to the probate process. Although particularly complex estates can take years to close, most probate cases are resolved within a few months. First, however, you have to get started. That’s a lot easier to do when you know what to expect. The basic steps involved in probate You have up to four years to actually file and get the process star ..read more

When someone dies, their assets often have to pass through probate court. Texas requires court oversight of estates that include thousands of dollars of property or real property worth any amount. Some individuals attempt to handle the probate process and estate administration on their own, but that approach comes with risk. There are numerous benefits that an executor or representative of an estate can derive from retaining the services of a Texas probate lawyer. How does an attorney help? They reduce the risk of mistakes Did you know that you could be held personally accountable for debts an ..read more

When you get married, you agree to share your entire life with someone else. They benefit from your financial resources and from your income. Both of you may be responsible for one another's debts, and you may share ownership of your biggest assets. If your spouse dies before you, you will typically be in a strong position to claim a significant inheritance. However, there can be delays between when your spouse dies and when you gain access to or control over certain property because it must first go through probate court. Assets that go through probate court are potentially at risk due to cre ..read more