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

5 Clever Ways to Find the Best Probate Lawyer Near Me

Few people imagine they’ll ever need a probate attorney. However, the need for adequate representation throughout the probate process becomes obvious right after a loved one passes on. There are many reasons for this. First, probate is a long and complicated process. This fact is especially true now as probate cases have surged since 2020. Second, probate proceedings tend to...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What Does the Corporate Transparency Act Mean for Small Business Owners in Texas?

In 2021, the federal government passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024. The CTA requires many small businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). Although filing BOI does not involve extensive information, determining who and what to file is complicated. If you are a small business owner in Texas, contact Massingill to learn more about the...

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| Read Time: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Texas

If you die without a will in Texas, any property you own at the time of your death will be distributed in accordance with Texas intestate succession laws. But, you may be wondering, What exactly does that mean?  If you have questions about how to plan for your future and what happens if you die without a will in...

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| Read Time: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

Can You Legally Contest a Will in Texas?

When someone passes away (commonly referred to as a “decedent”), one of the first things to do is determine whether the decedent left a will. If the decedent did leave a will, it must go through the probate process in court before the property can be distributed to their beneficiaries.  The probate process can be complicated. Sometimes, after a will is...

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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: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

What Is Trust Decanting in Texas?

Decanting a trust is a novel and increasingly popular approach to altering an irrevocable trust. But what exactly does it entail? At Massingill, we pride ourselves on bringing clarity to all kinds of estate matters. We especially enjoy unraveling particularly complex topics like trust decanting.  If you want to learn more about decanting a trust, then you’ll want to read...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Couples Who Are Not Married

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, marriage rates throughout the United States have steadily declined since the 1980s. However, that doesn’t mean there are fewer people in committed relationships. In fact, studies show that the number of Americans living with an unmarried partner is growing, indicating the public’s shift on perceptions of marriage. That...

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| 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,...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What Are the Four Elements of a 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: 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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