Arguments among heirs slow probate, inflate costs, and strain relationships. Harris County judges offer two paths to finish the job: independent administration and dependent administration. Each path balances speed and oversight differently. If you choose wisely, you keep the estate on schedule while protecting everyone’s rights. Understand What “Independent” Really…
When a Texas resident dies owning land in New Mexico or Colorado, a Travis County probate alone will not transfer those deeds. Real estate follows the law of the state where it sits. You need ancillary proceedings in the other state so title companies will insure the transfer. With the…
Selling an Austin home through probate gets trickier when large, protected trees stand on the lot. Austin’s Heritage Tree rules affect what you can trim, remove, or build around, and buyers care about that. If you understand the process, you keep deals on track, avoid fines, and protect sale price.…
A homestead carries memories and legal protections. When the estate needs liquidity, you may have to sell the home—yet you still want to respect the surviving spouse or children who live there. In Houston probate, you can balance compassion and efficiency by planning the sale process around homestead rights, notices,…
When a loved one dies without a will, you still need a court order that identifies who inherits. In Harris County, a determination of heirship provides that clarity so banks, title companies, and buyers can act. The process can move efficiently if you prepare evidence, find disinterested witnesses, and file…
Old deeds tell long stories. Names change, tracts split, and handwritten notes morph into title problems that confuse buyers and stall probate. When you inherit Dallas property with a paper trail that starts in the 1970s—or earlier—you need a plan to restore clarity. A careful chain-of-title project turns a mystery…
Speed matters in probate. Vendors want payment, lenders ask for proof of authority, and heirs hope for clarity. In Dallas County, independent administration can compress the process from months to weeks, but only if the will gives you the right tools. By drafting and filing with precision, you unlock a…
Selling estate property in Austin looks straightforward until greenbelt overlays and watershed rules enter the picture. Those layers can slow closings, shrink buyer pools, and surprise you with extra permits. When you prepare early, you cut weeks from the timeline and protect sale price. A calm, document-first approach turns a…
Your calling serves patients, but it also exposes wealth to risk. Even with strong insurance, a single claim, business dispute, or personal guarantee can threaten savings. A Dallas-ready estate plan builds layers of protection while keeping life simple for your family. Start With the Protections Texas Already Gives You Texas…
Blended families carry both joy and complexity. You want to care for your new spouse and still honor promises to children from a prior marriage. Texas community-property rules add unique opportunities—and risks. A customized agreement brings clarity now and prevents conflict later. Start by Labeling What Belongs Where Property you…