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...
Continue ReadingThe 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 ReadingFacing a legal dispute is a significant hurdle for businesses of any size to overcome. Resolving the issue costs time and money that most companies would rather spend elsewhere. The dispute can distract employees and detract from a business’s core mission. To make matters worse, there is often a risk that the dispute will not be resolved in the...
Continue ReadingProbate can be a long, complicated process. Between the filings, deadlines, and court hearings, people often ask, Do I need a lawyer 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 ReadingBusiness litigation can be a costly and time-consuming process for any company. The controversies at issue can represent an existential threat to the business engaged in the litigation. Further, Texas business litigation law calls for specific processes that must be followed. These processes are rarely quick. Fortunately, many companies can avoid litigation through proper planning and effective governance. However,...
Continue ReadingBuilding a Texas business from the ground up can be exciting, but it comes with a good deal of risk. Instead, many entrepreneurs choose to buy existing businesses. Buying an existing company can have its advantages, but when buying an existing business, it is important to have knowledgeable legal counsel help you complete your due diligence before you close...
Continue ReadingThere may come a time when a person loses the ability to communicate his or her health care decisions. Whether the person loses capacity as a result of an accident, disease, or old age, it can be a difficult time for everyone involved. To ease the emotional stress of these types of situations, Texans should consider completing a medical...
Continue ReadingWhen 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 ReadingThe short answer as to whether you need an EIN number for a business in Texas is: Probably. Most businesses are required to acquire an employer identification number (EIN), and getting one is relatively simple. However, the benefits and requirements of an EIN depend on the type of business you own, which can be more complex. In this article,...
Continue ReadingIn some industries, rewarding those who refer business to you is acceptable. However, paying for referrals for federal health care program business is a crime. If you’re a healthcare provider who owns a healthcare business, it is important to be aware of the federal anti-kickback statute and what it means for your business. In Texas, the anti-kickback statute applies...
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