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: 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: 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...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What You Should Know About Selling a Business in Texas

Selling a business can be an exciting yet bittersweet experience. After years of hard work and dedication, selling represents an opportunity to cash in and move on. It can also symbolize stepping away from something you love and starting a new chapter in your life. Beyond the emotional aspects, selling a business is also a demanding task in and...

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| 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...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Estate Planning

What Are an Estate Executor’s Responsibilities in Texas?

When someone passes away, the executor is in charge of handling the decedent’s estate. From finding assets to paying taxes to distributing real estate, the executor has a lot to do. Let’s walk through the different responsibilities of an executor of an estate.  If you have questions, please contact the Austin estate planning attorneys at Massingill today online or call us at 512-410-0343...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | Business Law

What Is Business Disparagement in Texas?

As a Texas business owner in Texas, there is a chance someone may have disparaged your business on a popular website or social media, possibly giving rise to a business disparagement claim in Texas. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, it may very well be something you face in the future. But what exactly is business disparagement in...

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| Read Time: 3 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...

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| Read Time: 5 minutes | Estate Planning

Texas Affidavit of Heirship: What It Is and How to File

When a loved one dies without a will, distributing their estate can add even more hardship to a grieving family. In most cases, the decedent’s estate will go through a probate process involving lengthy delays and court oversight. Fortunately, there are some methods heirs can use to receive the decedent’s property without going through probate. A Texas affidavit of...

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| 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...

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