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: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

Texas Estate Tax: Everything You Need to Know

One of the best parts of living in the Lone Star State is its low tax burden. In fact, Texas has the 4th lowest state-local tax burden in the country as of 2022. One major reason for this is that Texas has no state-wide tax on personal income. Texas also doesn’t have a state-wide estate tax. That’ll make many...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How Long Does It Take to Probate an Estate in Texas?

When 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...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How to Obtain a Copy of a Will in Texas

In the Lone Star State, a will is a testament to an individual’s wishes for their assets, loved ones, and legacy. One day, you might find yourself in a situation where you must access a copy of a will. Maybe you’re a beneficiary or an executor. Or perhaps you’re simply a family member seeking clarity. Whatever the case, the...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

When Should You Start Thinking About Estate Planning?

Estate planning is essential to providing for your loved ones, protecting your assets, and ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after you are gone. Yet, many are unsure when to start estate planning. While many believe it only becomes necessary later in life, beginning the process somewhat earlier offers significant benefits. At Massingill, we offer estate planning services to meet your...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney in Austin

You’ve decided to start crafting a legacy to protect your family’s future. It’s more than drafting documents—it’s about ensuring peace of mind for your loved ones. Choosing the right estate planning attorney is critical to transforming uncertainty into security. Now, you want to know how to find an estate planning attorney. We have you covered. At Massingill, we’re here to...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

How to Avoid Probate in Texas: Expert Estate Planning Strategies

Your 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. You’re probably wondering how to avoid probate in Texas. You can do so entirely with proactive steps, ensuring your loved ones avoid this frustrating ordeal. This...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Are Estate Planning Fees Tax Deductible?

You’ve decided to take charge of your future and protect your family by creating an estate plan. But as you review the associated costs, you may wonder: Are estate planning fees tax deductible? This is a common question for Texas residents who want to plan wisely for their legacy and finances. In this blog post, we’ll break down the...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

Are Verbal Contracts Enforceable in Texas?

In a litigious world, best practice is to secure a written contract for agreements whenever possible. This avoids relying on “he said, she said” testimony. But sometimes this is not possible. Are verbal contracts binding? Verbal contracts are legally binding and enforceable if they meet certain requirements. If the verbal contract is otherwise valid, it is enforceable. The contract...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

Anticipatory Breach of Contract in Texas

When handling a business contract or navigating a personal agreement, the last thing someone needs is for the other party to back out or fail to deliver on their promises. Whether a contracting party is a buyer, seller, or service provider, an anticipatory breach of contract can create chaos. This breach may leave a party wondering what to do next and...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

How Do You Prove Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Texas?

Fiduciary duties are the cornerstone of trust and integrity in many relationships. A fiduciary who breaches one of their duties can cause significant pain and loss to others. But how do you prove a breach of fiduciary duty? The methods for proving a breach can differ depending on the facts of each case. This article will provide a general...

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