Texas recognizes common law marriage, legally called informal marriage. If a couple was informally married under Texas law, the surviving spouse may have the same inheritance rights as a formally married spouse. But there is a catch: after one partner dies, the surviving partner may have to prove the common law marriage before receiving spousal inheritance rights. That proof can become especially...
Continue ReadingA will in Texas can cost anywhere from nothing to several thousand dollars, depending on how you create it and how complicated your estate is. A very simple do-it-yourself will may cost little or nothing. An online will service may cost around $50 to $300. A lawyer-drafted will often costs more, commonly ranging from several hundred dollars to $1,500 or more for a basic will,...
Continue ReadingThe time following the death of a loved one can be difficult for most people. Days are filled with grief and uncertainty. The list of responsibilities grows over time. Yet someone must step forward and take on the time-consuming, complex job of probate. Not only must they manage the process by inventorying assets and identifying any outstanding debts, but...
Continue ReadingYour family is grieving a loss, only to face a complicated legal process—probate, to access your assets. Without a clear plan, probate can drag on, adding unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. The good news: you can avoid probate in Texas entirely with proactive steps, ensuring your loved ones avoid this frustrating ordeal. Texas offers several legal tools—from...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is essential to providing for your loved ones, protecting your assets, and ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after you are gone. Many Texans wonder when to start estate planning — and the answer is usually sooner than you think. While many believe it only becomes necessary later in life, beginning the process even in your 20s or...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy. Yet estate planning mistakes are surprisingly common—and the consequences can be severe. According to a 2024 Caring.com survey, only 32% of American adults have an estate plan. Among those who do, many make critical errors that lead to...
Continue ReadingNo matter what an individual might face, the future is easier to handle when they have a plan. One of the most crucial plans an individual should consider is an estate plan. Estate planning can help a person take care of loved ones and protect themselves in the event of their incapacitation or death. What documents are needed for...
Continue ReadingYou may have heard that trusts are a valuable estate planning tool, but you may not know much about how they work. In fact, one of the most common questions we receive from clients is, What is a revocable trust? In short, a revocable trust allows a person to place assets into a trust, retain control over those assets,...
Continue ReadingA survivorship deed is a legal document Texans can use to decide what happens to real property (real estate) held by multiple owners when one owner dies. It allows property to pass automatically to a surviving co-owner instead of becoming part of the deceased owner’s probate estate. For many people, this approach offers a faster and more predictable way...
Continue ReadingIf you own real estate in Texas and are considering transferring it to a spouse, child, or family member, you may have heard the term “quitclaim deed.” Texas quitclaim deeds work very differently from what many people expect. State property law treats quitclaim deeds with caution, and what seems like a quick fix today can create title problems years...
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