In the past, on our blog, we have gone over the possible benefit of establishing a trust when you are engaging in the estate planning process. Forming a trust can be complicated, and there are several different kinds of trusts that fit different sets of needs, depending on the nature…
Organizing your assets in the form of a legal trust can be a valid and helpful tool in estate planning. If you are establishing a trust, you are likely trying to decide who to appoint as your trustee, which can often be a tough decision. A trustee, by definition, is…
At McCulloch & Miller, we have 35 years of experience in Texas probate law, which gives us a unique perspective on estate planning and on the probate process. Over the years, our clients have come to us with their questions, big and small, because they trust that we will deliver…
The probate process involves many logistical hurdles that often require time and money, and it can be frustrating for those individuals a decedent leaves behind. It is important to recognize, however, that not all assets must go through probate – in fact, there are some assets that are automatically exempt…
As a general rule, a decedent’s assets in Texas must go through the probate process in order for those assets to pass on to the person’s beneficiaries. Because this process can be daunting and time-consuming, clients often come to us for help in figuring out how to avoid probate altogether.…
For many decedents, the probate process involves a probate court judge reviewing that person’s will, ensuring that the will is valid, and then distributing the person’s assets to his or her beneficiaries. At times, however, the probate court has to decide how to proceed when there is no will in…
In the past, our blog has focused on the probate process and the many different implications for decedents, family, and friends. As we have emphasized, the probate process is complex, and it involves many actors as well as a detailed procedure that can take anywhere from a couple of months…
In Texas, the probate process can be overwhelming for beneficiaries and those involved in distributing a decedent’s estate. The good news, however, is that for those whose assets are below a certain amount, there is a simplified probate process available. This process is shorter and more efficient, but it still…
We have covered the definition of the probate process on our blog in the past, which is vital information for those developing their estate plans. Also relevant, however, is the specific procedure for probate in the state of Texas since probate works differently in each state and can have a…
Many beneficiaries to a person’s will find themselves becoming familiar with the probate process once they try to access the funds that their loved one has left behind. It can be important to understand the probate process because it is often the vehicle through which a decedent’s assets are passed…