| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Estate Distribution: Understanding Probate Asset Valuation

A crucial step in the administration of someone’s estate after the individual passes away is determining the value of an estate. After all, you cannot fairly divide and distribute the estate’s assets to your descendants if you do not know what the estate is worth. Navigating the complexities of estate distribution and calculating the estate valuation of personal property,...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Thinking About Doing Your Own Will? LegalZoom vs. Hiring a Lawyer

When planning a will, many people assume that filling out a single document or form is enough to divide their property appropriately upon death. Unfortunately, this often results in unforeseen problems, such as beneficiaries contesting the will. At Massingill, we are dedicated to helping clients protect their legacy and give their family peace of mind.  Contact us today for...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Texas Pour-Over Wills Overview

Setting up a living trust is often a highly efficient method of maintaining control over your assets while preparing to pass them on to descendants. However, you must take steps to prepare your assets for the trust. Transferring ownership of your property to your trust is one such step. Ensuring that a trust officially owns all the assets you...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How to Claim Unclaimed Property From a Deceased Relative in Texas

A properly formed and executed estate plan can ensure loved ones benefit from all a decedent’s property once they pass. Unfortunately, not everyone can perfectly manage their assets and make the proper arrangements to pass them on with little effort. Sometimes, valuable property can fall through the cracks. During the probate process, the families of the deceased relative might...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 3 minutes | Estate Planning

A Step-By-Step Guide to the Probate Process in Texas

The Texas Estates Code sets out a process for overseeing the distribution of an estate’s assets. Intestate estates (those where the decedent left no will), and an estate with assets that are not exempt, must go through probate. Though the process is relatively straightforward, several issues that might interrupt the distribution of the estate to heirs can arise. From...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Do I Need an Attorney for Probate?

Probate can be a long, complicated process. Between the filings, deadlines, and court hearings, people often ask, Do I need an attorney for probate? In most cases, the answer is yes. However, even when a probate attorney isn’t required by law, their services are invaluable and can often save you time and money when probating an estate.  What Is...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 3 minutes | Estate Planning

What Assets Go Through Probate in Texas?

When someone dies, their assets are usually divided into two legal categories: probate and non-probate assets. But what are probate assets? And what does it mean when something is categorized as non-probate? Whether an asset is considered probate or non-probate property will determine how it will be distributed after a person’s death.  In this post, the Austin probate attorneys...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How Much Does an Estate Planning Attorney Cost in Texas?

Worries about the costs of estate planning are normal. Unfortunately, these worries often lead to prolonged procrastination. Many Americans let their concerns about costs stop them from formulating an estate plan. In fact, less than half of Americans have a will. Without a will, you are putting your estate and your loved ones in a bad position once you...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate in Texas?

After a person dies, their estate must go through an official legal process before it is distributed to beneficiaries. This process ensures that the estate pays its debts and gets distributed according to the decedent’s wishes if they left a will or state law if they did not leave a will. This process is called probate.    However, not all...

Continue Reading

| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How Much Does Probate Cost With and Without A Will in Texas?

Writing a will can provide many benefits to our families once we pass on. A will can prevent conflict between family members, clearly explain how property is to be distributed, and reduce our family’s costs in probate court. Any one of these goals makes the initial effort well worth it.  Unfortunately, less than half of Americans have a written...

Continue Reading