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...
Continue ReadingIn 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...
Continue ReadingIf 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...
Continue ReadingWhen 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...
Continue ReadingAccording 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...
Continue ReadingWhen 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...
Continue ReadingSelling 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...
Continue ReadingSetting 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...
Continue ReadingAs 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...
Continue ReadingA 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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