As life flies by, it is easy to get bogged down in our day-to-day routines. The reality is, however, that we can never take that routine for granted. It is always key to be prepared for the unexpected. One of the smartest ways to ensure you are prepared is to contact an estate planning attorney.…Continue…Continue readingHouston Man Found Shot to Death in Car

As we seemingly get closer to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, older generations are sharing the similarities of this experience with the polio outbreak of the 1940s and 50s. Watching society return to some sense of normalcy after 15+ months of being in different stages of lockdown triggers many memories. Much like the coronavirus,…Continue…Continue readingPost Pandemic World: Similarities Between COVID-19 and Polio

While most people were happily celebrating Memorial Day, others found their revelry halted by violence. The Houston area had a particularly grizzly weekend. As of Tuesday, 10 people were killed over the holiday.  On Monday night, a gunman opened fire in a Houston nightclub killing one and injuring two others. Shortly thereafter, the gunman was…Continue…Continue readingLocal Memorial Day Celebrations Result in Violence

With Memorial Day around the corner, many Houston residents are making their weekend plans. Now that the CDC guidelines have been updated and the number of fully vaccinated people continues to grow, it is no surprise that celebrating with friends and family is top of the list. While Memorial Day is often a day of…Continue…Continue readingHouston National Cemetery Hosts Memorial Day Celebration

Being left behind by a loved one is never easy. This can be made increasingly difficult if the deceased did not make arrangements for what they left behind. Proper estate planning is key to helping your family move forward in your absence. Ray Valdez, an orthopedic surgeon in the Houston-area, made sure to do just…Continue…Continue readingSurgeon Leaves Wife and Daughters Dream House After Losing Battle with Cancer

On the first of this month, a shining star left this earth. Olympia Dukakis, perhaps best known for her roles in “Moonstruck” and “Steel Magnolias”, passed away at the age of 89. Dukakis was known for her sharp, witty, and hilarious character work. In her long, successful career she brought dynamic roles to life and…Continue…Continue readingLegendary Actress Olympia Dukakis Dies at the Age of 89

When estates are left behind, particularly large ones, there is often a dispute. Such is the case with the estate of the late Michael Jackson. Even though he left this earth over a decade ago, the value of aspects of his estate is just now being decided by the courts. Michael Jackson was undoubtedly one…Continue…Continue readingCourt Makes Ruling in Michael Jackson Estate Case

Muniment of title is an alternative to the probate process in Texas. It is cost-efficient.  It is fast–relatively speaking. A Will is required. Instead of appointing you as the executor, the probate court enters an order distributing property according to the Will. And walla! But what if the story does not end there? What if…Continue…Continue readingProbate After a Muniment of Title

The beneficiaries and heirs of a probate estate are not stuck with the distributions set out in the decedent’s will or by Texas intestacy laws. The beneficiaries and heirs can agree among themselves to some other distribution scheme. This usually involves negotiating and recording the agreement in a family settlement agreement. A carefully drafted settlement…Continue…Continue readingDrafting Agreements in Probate Cases

Many courts shifted to online zoom hearings when the COVID virus situation started. This includes probate courts in Texas. This makes sense. Many probate hearings require witnesses. The witnesses are usually friends and acquaintances of the deceased. As with the deceased, generally, they are usually older. They may be more susceptible to have a strong…Continue…Continue readingNonresident Executor Subject to Texas Jurisdiction