Choosing an executor is an important part of the estate planning process. It is not a decision you should make quickly or hastily. An executor is the person in charge of administering your estate after you pass away. They have many responsibilities including...
Decatur Family Law and Probate Attorney
What are the application requirements to probate a will?
In Texas, after a person dies, probate is a key part of the process to ensure their will is adhered to. The executor will file an application so the will can be probated. While this might seem like a basic process, there is nuance to it and the executor need to be...
Can a will created by an Alzheimer’s sufferer be valid?
When a loved one passes away, you’ll turn to their estate planning documents to determine how their estate should be distributed. In many cases, that’s a straightforward matter. But if your loved one suffered from a mental health condition like Alzheimer’s, then...
Debts and estate administration
Many of us may wish it were otherwise, but our debts do not disappear when we die. They must be paid by our estates. If you have been appointed as executor of an estate, this means you will pay these debts out of the estate. Fiduciary duty As the executor or...
Can I funnel my entire estate into a trust for my family?
If you are contemplating estate planning, the notion of channeling your entire estate into a trust might intrigue you. In this post, we delve into the feasibility of consolidating your entire estate into a trust in Texas and outline best practices. Understanding...
Who should you name as your will executor?
When it comes to planning your estate, choosing a reliable and responsible executor for your will is an important decision. The person you designate will be responsible for carrying out your final wishes and distributing your assets according to your instructions. To...
What does it mean to die intestate?
Many Texas residents who encounter probate court are coming into the situation with more questions than answers. After all, it is a rare occurrence, for most people, to find themselves with the need to navigate their way through the probate process more than once or...
How are my assets distributed without a will?
If you pass way without a will, it is referred to as dying intestate and your assets will be distributed to your heirs according to the intestacy process. Your heirs generally include close relatives, like your spouse, children, parents or siblings. Intestacy overview...
Can a will be contested after it is admitted to probate?
In Texas, people who create a will or other estate planning document do so with the intention of creating certainty as to how their property will be distributed after they have died. This is a responsible step that is designed to avoid dispute. However, these issues...
5 executor responsibilities during probate in Texas
Probate is the legal process of managing a deceased person's assets and debts. The executor, also known as the personal representative, plays an important role in the probate process. The executor of an estate has several responsibilities outlined by the Texas Estates...