Probate in Texas can cost a few hundred dollars in court filing fees for a simple case, but the total cost is often much higher once attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, bonds, appraisals, ad litem fees, publication, and title work are included. A straightforward uncontested probate may cost a few thousand dollars. A contested or complicated estate can...
Continue ReadingTexas 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,...
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