If you are considering filing or have found yourself defending against a civil lawsuit, you may wonder, How much does a civil attorney cost? The answer depends on many factors, including the attorney’s fees and experience, when and whether you settle, and how complicated the legal and factual disputes are. A case that requires only a few hours of...
Continue ReadingIf you want to save costs on an estate plan, you may wonder, Can I write my own will and have it notarized? Will that make it legally valid? While you can write your own will and have it notarized in Texas, that will not make it legally enforceable. Courts do not follow unenforceable wills. If you leave an...
Continue ReadingPeople usually prefer to avoid legal disputes. But sometimes you just can’t. You know you should hire a lawyer, but you might not know where to find one or even how to begin. Whether you need to sue someone or someone is suing you, finding a lawyer with the right experience and approach for your unique situation is essential....
Continue ReadingA crucial step in the administration of someone’s estate after the individual passes away is determining the value of the estate by doing an estate valuation. 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...
Continue ReadingNegotiating, drafting, and enforcing contracts is an important part of any business’s life cycle. Contracts form the backbone of successful business relationships, but having the proper contract is critical. A properly executed business contract should clearly outline the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the rights and obligations of each party, and provide mechanisms for resolving disputes, all...
Continue ReadingPeople form businesses together with the best of intentions. Entrepreneurs share a vision and work together to realize it. In many cases, they create a limited liability company (LLC) to maximize tax benefits and minimize business formalities. Unfortunately, the business world is not all sunshine and harmony. When conflict arises, many companies find themselves asking how to remove a...
Continue ReadingDisputes are a part of life. Although many people can, and do, resolve their disputes by talking through the problem, sometimes the only solution is a lawsuit. There are many types of civil litigation. Understanding where to start and how to proceed can be overwhelming and complex. The best discussion an individual can have about the kinds of litigation...
Continue Reading“Lawsuit” can be an intimidating word for anyone involved in a dispute. A defendant needs to answer for their wrongdoing, and a plaintiff has many steps to follow to recover damages. But what is the process of civil litigation? This article will outline the basic steps in the litigation process. If you’re facing a potential lawsuit, Massingill can simplify...
Continue ReadingNo matter what an individual might face, the future is easier to handle when they have a plan. One of the most crucial plans an individual should consider is an estate plan. Estate planning can help a person take care of loved ones and protect themselves in the event of their incapacitation or death. What documents are needed for...
Continue ReadingOne of the best parts of living in the Lone Star State is its low tax burden. In fact, Texas has the 4th lowest state-local tax burden in the country as of 2022. One major reason for this is that Texas has no state-wide tax on personal income. Texas also doesn’t have a state-wide estate tax. That’ll make many...
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