When planning your estate, you have to consider all of your children, stepchildren and other heirs you may include within your estate plan. One of the biggest mistakes some parents make is treating all kids equally. While you may want to be fair to your children,...
Probate Administration
Probate Administration
Can you face lawsuits for mismanaging an estate?
When a close friend or family member names you the executor over his or her Texas estate, you have a duty to act in this individual’s interests and otherwise follow all guidelines and deadlines associated with the probate process. The role requires a considerable...
Tips for selecting your estate administrator
Having a will is one of the most effective ways to reduce Texas probate costs and avoid dissension among your beneficiaries. Depending on the size and scope of your property, you can give your loved one's peace of mind by adding trusts, a power of attorney and advance...
How much does probate cost?
While planning your estate, you learn about probate and how it may tie up assets. To make your beneficiaries' lives easier, you want to cover probate costs. What should you budget for? U.S. News & World Report explains how much probate costs and how to avoid the...
What are common estate administrator questions?
A loved one asked you to act as her or his estate administrator. You accepted the role, but you have knowledge gaps you want to resolve. American Bar Association explores common executor questions. Address your fears and do a good job by understanding what the role...
What responsibilities do executors owe beneficiaries?
It took time for you to get comfortable with serving as a loved one's executor. You want to do right not only by your loved one but also by her or his beneficiaries. SmartAsset breaks down executor obligations. Understand the role you play in a beneficiary's life....
What happens to jointly owned property in probate?
Probate can be a very beneficial process, but it also can drag on and cause a strain on your family. With that in mind, many people aim to avoid probate or at least reduce the need for probate. There are many ways you can plan your estate to avoid or minimize probate,...
Who may I prepare for the role of an estate administrator?
The executor of an estate plays an important role in carrying out the deceased's wishes. Choosing an individual to represent you after your death may require careful thought and planning. As noted by the AARP, an executor needs access to your will, assets and...
Heirs may submit handwritten wills for probate in Texas
Under certain circumstances, heirs may submit a handwritten will for probate. As explained by the University of North Texas at Dallas, handwritten wills, also called holographic wills, generally arise during a severe emergency such as an unexpected life-threatening...
What role does a probate court judge play in transferring assets?
Based on whether a deceased individual created a will, a Texas probate court judge may have a significant role in distributing his or her assets. As noted by SmartAsset, if you die with a will, the probate court judge has responsibility for proving its validity and...