Holographic wills are handwritten and signed documents that express a person’s wishes for distributing their estate. Because they do not require a lawyer, people often write these wills themselves. However, ambiguity in holographic wills can easily lead to disputes...
When a loved one passes away, their property must go through the probate process. This involves legally transferring ownership of their assets. Jointly owned property can complicate this process. Understanding what happens to such property can help manage expectations...
Creating an estate plan is something that many adults know they should do, but some adults put this off. If you're ready to create your estate plan, there are specific things you need to consider. One of these is how you’re going to pass your assets down to your loved...
Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and dealing with their will can add to the stress. Sometimes, you might feel that the will doesn't reflect their true intentions. Understanding when to dispute a will can help you decide the best course of action. Signs of undue...
A fiduciary, whether a trustee, executor, or guardian, is legally required to act in the interest of the beneficiaries. When this duty is breached, Texas law offers several options for legal recourse. Filing a breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit Beneficiaries harmed by a...
If you ask people why they haven’t made an estate plan, you may get a variety of answers. Some people don’t know what paperwork they need. Others don’t think they have enough assets. Some just find the process overwhelming. One common trend that you’ll find is that...
Undue influence can invalidate legal documents like wills or contracts when one party unfairly manipulates another. Understanding the four key factors that courts look for can help clarify how this legal concept works. 1. Vulnerability of the influenced party One...