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.


| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

9 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Events

Life can change in an instant. When it does, it is time to update your estate plan. You should update an estate plan after any major life event and, ideally, at least once every few years. Failing to update documents can result in confusion, disputes, and unintended outcomes—such as an estranged relative inheriting your assets or the wrong person...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Articles

What Happens to Digital Assets After Death in Texas?

In today’s digital world, people often leave behind more than just physical possessions when they die. From email inboxes to social media accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and online business tools, digital assets frequently hold emotional and, at times, financial value. In Texas, digital assets do not automatically transfer upon death. Without a clear plan, your loved ones may struggle to...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Articles

How to Handle Out-of-State Probate for Texas Families

Probate is the legal process for settling a person’s estate after death, including paying debts and distributing assets. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult without having to navigate what to do if that loved one owned property in another state or country. When a deceased person (“decedent”) owned such property, their loved ones often...

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| Read Time: 5 minutes | Business Law

Business Lawyer Vs. Corporate Lawyer: Which One Does Your Business Need?

For a layperson or a small business owner, sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer. Both sound like they know what happens behind the boardroom doors. But like everything in law, there is usually a reason for specific terminology. If you are struggling to understand whether your situation calls for...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

How Much Does It Cost to Sue a Company in Texas?

When a business mistreats someone, it might be time for the mistreated party to sue. A business lawsuit can right many wrongs and bring closure in a dispute, but it can also come with a hefty check for the plaintiff. When considering legal action against a business, the natural question is, How much does it cost to sue a...

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| Read Time: 3 minutes | Business Law

How to Check Business Name Availability in Texas

One of the first steps in opening a new business is giving it a name. You will want to choose a catchy, recognizable name that distinguishes your company from the competition. In Texas, the name must also be unique. Fortunately, it is easy to quickly check if your new business’s name is available in Texas. If you have questions...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What Happens If You Break a Non-Compete Agreement?

Many employment agreements contain clauses about non-competition. You may not have noticed or didn’t pay much attention to the clause when you first signed your employment contract. Businesses rely on non-competition clauses to protect proprietary information and prevent former employees or contractors from using it to compete against them. If you are about to leave your job for a...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What Are the Four Elements Of Breach of Contract Claim in Texas?

When someone fails to comply with the terms of a contract, you may have grounds to file a breach of contract claim. These types of lawsuits are common in business litigation. There are four elements of a breach of contract claim: a valid contract, performance, breach, and damages. In this blog, we define each element of breach of contract...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Articles

5 Most Common Probate Disputes and How to Avoid Them

Probate disputes can complicate the already emotional process of managing a loved one’s final affairs after their death. These conflicts can arise when beneficiaries—those left something in the will or entitled to something under the law—disagree about estate management or distribution. Fortunately, proactive planning and informed decision-making can minimize these issues.  At Massingill, we simplify complex legal matters so...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Articles

10 Things an Executor Can and Cannot Do After Someone Dies

Executors manage a deceased individual’s estate. They ensure everyone who needs to know about the death is made aware, identify and value estate assets, pay debts, and distribute estate assets. As they do those things, executors are bound by legal and ethical obligations that define what an executor can and cannot do. At Massingill, we simplify the complex. Based...

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