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 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 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 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 ReadingAll adults should have a will. It’s important to know what makes a will valid in Texas. Your Texas last will and testament allows you, rather than the state, to determine what should happen to your assets if you pass away. But if you do not follow Texas will requirements, the document will not be valid. Key Takeaways All...
Continue ReadingIf you have lost a loved one before, you know just how difficult it can be to manage their estate and affairs in the aftermath of their passing. Matters can become even more complicated if your loved one did not leave behind a comprehensive estate plan. Everyone will die someday—this is just an unavoidable fact of life. And while...
Continue ReadingIn the quiet moments after the loss of a loved one, you are not just grieving; you are piecing together the story of a life through stacks of papers and old files. Your focus is on honoring their memory and supporting your family. Then, you find it: a deed to a vacation home near Austin or mineral rights to...
Continue ReadingYou are handling the final affairs for a loved one, a complicated task that requires patience and focus. Just as you begin to get a handle on the primary estate administration, you learn that the real estate they owned in Texas requires a separate court process. This news is often immensely frustrating. You are already grieving, and the thought...
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