You’ve decided to start crafting a legacy to protect your family’s future. It’s more than drafting documents—it’s about ensuring peace of mind for your loved ones. Choosing the right estate planning attorney is critical to transforming uncertainty into security. Now, you want to know how to find an estate planning attorney. We have you covered. At Massingill, we’re here to...
Continue ReadingYour family is grieving a loss, only to face a complicated legal process—probate, to access your assets. Without a clear plan, probate can drag on, adding unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. You’re probably wondering how to avoid probate in Texas. You can do so entirely with proactive steps, ensuring your loved ones avoid this frustrating ordeal. This...
Continue ReadingYou’ve decided to take charge of your future and protect your family by creating an estate plan. But as you review the associated costs, you may wonder: Are estate planning fees tax deductible? This is a common question for Texas residents who want to plan wisely for their legacy and finances. In this blog post, we’ll break down the...
Continue ReadingA power of attorney is a legal document that grants decision-making authority to someone (the agent) on behalf of another person (the principal). Depending on the terms of the document, the agent has the ability to access information and accounts and make life-altering decisions for the principal. Unfortunately, there are situations when the agent fails to use their power...
Continue ReadingWhen 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...
Continue ReadingIn the Lone Star State, a will is a testament to an individual’s wishes for their assets, loved ones, and legacy. One day, you might find yourself in a situation where you must access a copy of a will. Maybe you’re a beneficiary or an executor. Or perhaps you’re simply a family member seeking clarity. Whatever the case, the...
Continue ReadingIn 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...
Continue ReadingBeing the executor of an estate is a massive responsibility. Executors must satisfy all the legal hurdles of the probate court and ensure that heirs and beneficiaries get the property they are entitled to. Unfortunately, many legal requirements of probating a will can be challenging for executors to satisfy. One of the first legal hurdles is obtaining letters testamentary....
Continue ReadingWhen you enter into a contract with another party, you expect them to hold up their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and you may find yourself in a dispute over a breach of contract, wondering what steps to take next. In Texas, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations under...
Continue ReadingWhen handling a business contract or navigating a personal agreement, the last thing someone needs is for the other party to back out or fail to deliver on their promises. Whether a contracting party is a buyer, seller, or service provider, an anticipatory breach of contract can create chaos. This breach may leave a party wondering what to do next and...
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