If a family member wants you to serve as his or her estate executor in the future, you might want to know when to fulfill parts of the will. In particular, you may wonder when you should distribute any bequests made by your relative. The American Bar Association...
Estate Administration
Will you lose your inheritance if you contest a Texas will?
Inheritance disputes can be a complex and emotionally charged issue. They often occur during a time of grief, adding another layer of distress. If you find yourself in such a situation in Texas, one question might dominate your thoughts: Will you lose your inheritance...
When to step down as the executor of your loved one’s estate
When your loved one names you the executor of their estate, it signifies their trust and confidence in your abilities. They believe you can navigate the intricate and often emotional path of settling their affairs. But what if you feel unsure about this role? Or if...
What are the benefits of having powers of attorney?
An important part of your estate plan is determining who will assume the role of power of attorney. These individuals will act on your behalf to make decisions when you suffer incapacitation. You will want to rely on people who know you well and have familiarity with...
Key reasons to challenge a loved one’s last wishes
The loss of a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and the last thing anyone wants to deal with is a dispute over the deceased's will. However, there may be valid reasons to contest a will and ensure that the estate carries out a deceased's true intentions....
Examples of estate fiduciaries
When you create an estate plan, you name one or more people to manage your affairs in the event of your death or incapacitation. The individual or individuals who take on these administrative duties on your behalf are fiduciaries. The documents you include in your...
How can you be a good agent for your loved one’s health care?
A medical power of attorney is a document that dictates the person responsible for a person's healthcare if the said person becomes incapacitated. If someone named you an agent, it is a major responsibility. Following your loved one's instructions and lead can help...
Understanding the probate process
If someone you love dies, you may be wondering what happens next. Probate is the legal process regarding the settlement of the decedent's estate. If the decedent had a will at the time of death, the first step is to file the will and apply for probate through the...
Notifying beneficiaries as an independent executor
As an independent executor, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your responsibilities with respect to estate administration. In the wake of losing a loved one, dealing with estate issues can prove challenging, especially for those struggling with...
How does the court handle nonprobatable assets?
When administering an estate, the appropriate authorities will not have to manage assets that are nonprobatable. These are things that do not have to go to probate. The Texas Estates Code outlines specific assets that are nonprobatable and the rules for handling them...

