A recent opinion from the Fifth Court of Appeals, In the Estate of Danny Lee Rubey, offers helpful guidance for families facing a will contest in the Dallas area. In that case, the court affirmed summary judgment against a will challenger who claimed the decedent lacked testamentary capacity and was…
A recent decision from the Fifth Court of Appeals illustrates just how narrow mandamus relief is in a Texas probate dispute. In that case, a party in a Dallas County estate matter tried to bypass the usual appeals process and asked the appellate court to force the probate judge to…
Houston home values climbed steadily through 2025, with areas like Bellaire, Katy, the Heights, Pearland, and Sugar Land among the region’s strongest performers. That rise helps homeowners build equity, yet it also creates new estate-planning concerns as families head into 2026. Higher valuations often lead to more complex probate filings,…
Texas courts continue to modernize filing and notice procedures, and the 2025 updates to electronic rules affect how probate works in Harris County and the surrounding Houston metro area. As courts rely more on e-filing and electronic notice, executors, administrators, and attorneys must follow new procedures when opening estates, submitting…
Harris County entered 2025 with a growing probate workload, and county officials have acknowledged that the courts remain under pressure as the region approaches 2026. Families in Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Missouri City, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands feel the impact when delays slow down the process of proving a…
Dallas investors often own rentals in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, or beyond. When you pass, each state wants its own probate for local real estate—a slow, expensive loop called ancillary probate. A revocable trust can bypass that loop entirely. With the right deed work and a clear management plan, your trustee…
High-rise living brings amenities, views, and rules. If you own a condo in Uptown or Victory Park, your estate plan must fit building policies, HOA bylaws, and lender expectations. A little preparation prevents probate delays, HOA fines, and unhappy neighbors—while preserving value when it is time to sell or transfer.…
Firearms add special rules to estate planning and probate. Whether you own hunting rifles, family heirlooms, or regulated items like suppressors, you need a plan that respects federal and Texas law while keeping your family safe. With the right documents, transfers happen smoothly, no one breaks the law by mistake,…
When a Harris County business owner dies, the company cannot hit pause. Payroll, vendor orders, customer deadlines, and tax filings keep moving. If you are the executor or a family member stepping in, you need a practical plan that keeps the doors open while you work through probate. With the…
Austin artists build value through originals, prints, merchandise, and a reputation that lives online. When an artist dies or becomes disabled, confusion over consignment contracts, online shops, and intellectual property can freeze income and scatter the archive. A focused estate plan protects your work, pays your bills, and guides your…