Welcome to the Massingill blog. Here’ll you’ll find frequently published articles on important topics relating to business law, healthcare business law, and family estate planning. Not finding the information you need? Book a consultation. Our friendly and helpful legal staff will answers your questions and get you on the path to solutions.
A last will and testament is a foundational estate planning document. In a will, you can lay out how you want your assets distributed upon your death. You also name an executor who will oversee your estate. While this concept is straightforward in principle, there are many factors to consider when drafting a will. Most importantly, you need to...
Continue ReadingWhen someone writes a will, their main goal is simple: To make sure their property goes to the right people. However, ensuring that goal becomes a reality in Texas requires understanding how to identify a primary beneficiary vs. a contingent beneficiary and how they work together. Without clear designations, assets can fall into probate or be distributed according to...
Continue ReadingEDITOR’S NOTE: THIS IS A GUEST POST BY JOHN FINCHER, A CERTIFIED BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS. JOHN IS NOT AN ATTORNEY, BUT WE ASKED HIM TO SHARE SOME THOUGHTS WITH OUR READERS WHO MAY BE CONTEMPLATING SELLING A BUSINESS. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN. Key Takeaways Selling a business is complex and time-intensive: The process often takes nine...
Continue ReadingWhen a person dies in Texas, their estate must be settled and distributed among their heirs. An estate is just a fancy word for describing all the things that a person owns, including their cash and investments. When lawyers talk about “probating” an estate, they simply mean settling the estate against any outstanding debts and liabilities. Whether a person...
Continue ReadingLosing a loved one is never easy, and grief is the first and most important part of the process. However, handling that loved one’s estate to honor their wishes is usually not far behind. This process, called probate, can feel overwhelming, but understanding how it works can make it easier to manage. At Massingill, we make the probate process...
Continue ReadingWhen you go into business with a partner, you expect shared vision, equal effort, and mutual trust. But even the strongest partnerships can falter. A disagreement over finances, growth, or daily management can escalate into a full-blown, business-threatening conflict. If you’re wondering how to handle disputes in a 50/50 partnership, you’re not alone. Equal ownership can make decision-making difficult...
Continue ReadingOne of the most important roles in a trust is the grantor. Yet, many wonder, What is a grantor and what rights do they have in trusts? A trust’s grantor creates the trust and establishes terms defining how it will work. The grantor decides who should benefit from the trust by naming one or more beneficiaries, and also selects...
Continue ReadingTexans have a reputation for being independent, and starting a business is one of the boldest ways to live that out. But independence doesn’t mean going unprotected. If you’ve been wondering how to start an LLC in Texas, you’re likely looking to shield your personal assets while keeping your business flexible. Starting a successful business can seem complicated. But...
Continue ReadingIf you’re buying or selling real estate in the Lone Star State, you’ll likely come across a document called a warranty deed. You may be wondering: What is a warranty deed in TX? Why does it matter? How does it affect your rights? In simple terms, a warranty deed is a promise. It guarantees that the person selling the...
Continue ReadingYou and your business partners put together an idea to make money, and you worked to make that idea come true. To achieve success, you had to pay attention to the details. However, remarkably few small business owners account for the future of the business’s ownership and continuity. A good buy-sell agreement does just that. In this guide, we...
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