Does Adding Class Descriptions to a Texas Will Create Class Gifts?

Introduction Adding class descriptions to a Texas will can create class gifts, which can be a great way to divide up your estate among your loved ones. However, it’s important to understand how this works before you make any decisions. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how adding class descriptions to a…

An Overview of Texas Probate Law

Introduction to Probate Law When a person dies, their assets must go through probate before they can be distributed to the beneficiaries. Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets after they die. If the deceased person had a will, the probate court will follow the instructions in the will. If the deceased…

Are You an “Interested Party” If You Already Received Benefits from a Will ?

Legal Terminology In Limine hearing: A procedure that allows parties to exclude evidence from a jury Uninterested persons: Anyone who has a property right or claim against the estate being administered Probate Law Case Sheffield v. Scott, 620 S.W.2d 691, 693 (Tex. App. — Houston [14th Dist.] 1981, writ ref’d n.r.e.) Facts and Procedural History…

Estate Planning for Texas Student Athletes in the NIL World

Previously, college athletes could not share in the revenue generated by their universities, however a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021 enabled them to earn advertising revenue based on their name, image and likeness (NIL). This ruling has opened doors for student-athletes who, because of the change in NCAA rulings, can now make money off…

Does the Rule for a Bill of Review Have to be Followed Exactly?

Law terms Texas Probate Code Ann., Rule 31 [now Texas Estates Code]: Any person interested may, by a bill of review filed in the court in which the probate proceedings were had, have any decision, order, or judgment rendered by the court, or by the judge thereof, revised and corrected on showing error therein; but…

Is Your Texas Will Invalid?

When Is a Texas Last Will and Testament Invalid? After someone dies, their will is often one of the first things that needs to be dealt with. But what happens when a will is invalid? In Texas, there are a few different circumstances that can render a will null and void. Learn more about what…

Inherited Retirement Accounts: The Basics

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about what would happen to your retirement account if you died. But it’s actually a pretty important question, especially if you live in Texas. In Texas, inherited retirement accounts are subject to some pretty strict rules. For example, if you die before you’ve reached…